Assam government proposes major reform in Panchayati Raj System
major reform in the Panchayati Raj System, the Assam government has proposed the introduction of political symbols in the elections of Zilla Parishad and Anchalik Panchayat and no party symbols for candidates contesting GP elections.
The cabinet has approved amendments to certain provisions of the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994. These will include an indirect election for the post of President of Gaon Panchayat; a new GP President will be elected from the 1O GP members.
Introduction of political symbols in elections of Zilla Parishad and Anchalik Panchayat—no party symbols for candidates contesting GP elections.
A no-confidence motion cannot be initiated for the first 2.5 years of the term of the President and VP of Gaon Panchayat (GP), Anchalik Panchayat (AP), and Zilla Parishad (ZP). Reservation of seats for SC/ST by rotation in wards of GPs having more than 10% SC/ST population Constitution of Ward Sabha Categorization of districts to be on the basis of population density, and reorganisation of GPs to be done accordingly.
Introduction of EVM in panchayat elections and the constitution of the District Delimitation Commission to decide the size of ZP, AP, and GP constituencies.
Disqualification of elected representatives of panchayats upon violation of the legal age of marriage Disqualification of members of political parties due to anti-defection and audit of ZP accounts by the Accountant General of Assam For GP members: Matriculation (Class X Pass for SC/ST members); for AP/ZP members: Higher Secondary Pass (Matriculation for SC/ST). Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2023 approved.
The bill seeks to ensure just and fair compensation to
