Assam Cabinet Approves Amendments to Introduce EVMs and Marriage Age Regulations in Panchayat Elections

Assam Cabinet Approves Amendments to Introduce EVMs and Marriage Age Regulations in Panchayat Elections. Image/ANI

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to Be Introduced in Panchayat Polls

The Assam cabinet has given its approval for amendments to the Assam Panchayat Act, which will introduce Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in panchayat elections and disqualify elected representatives for violating the legal age of marriage. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced these amendments, highlighting their key provisions.

Constitution of a District Delimitation Commission

The amendments will establish a district delimitation commission responsible for determining the constituency sizes for zilla parishad, anchalik parishads, and gaon panchayats. The categorization of districts will be based on population, leading to the reorganization of gaon panchayats accordingly.

Minimum Educational Qualification

Minimum educational qualifications have been set, with matriculation required for gaon panchayat members, and higher secondary education necessary for anchalik and zilla parishad members. Scheduled castes, tribes, and backward caste members will need to pass the matriculation examination.

Disqualification for Marriage Age Violations

Elected representatives in panchayats who violate the legal age of marriage will face disqualification, along with members of political parties under the anti-defection law.

District Delimitation Commission Composition

The district delimitation commission will comprise the district commissioner as chairperson, the chief executive officer of the zilla parishad as the member secretary, and the election officer as a member.

Introduction of Political Symbols and No Party Symbols

Political symbols will be introduced for zilla parishad and anchalik parishad elections, while candidates for gaon panchayat polls will not have party symbols.

Regulations for Gaon Panchayat President

The president of the gaon panchayat will be elected from among the 10 gram panchayat members. A no-confidence motion cannot be initiated during the first two and a half years of their term.

Audit of Zilla Parishad Accounts and Supervision of Departments

The audit of zilla parishad accounts will be conducted by the Assam accountant general, and members may be assigned departments for monitoring and supervision.

State Level Recruitment Commission for Panchayat

The state level recruitment commission will oversee Grade III and Grade IV recruitments in the panchayat.

These amendments aim to modernize and streamline the panchayat system in Assam, ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance.

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