The Odisha government has jumpstarted the preparations for the forthcoming elections to the three-tier Panchayati Raj bodies in the State.
The State Panchayati Raj department has issued a directive to the administrative heads of all districts to accelerate the preparations for the elections on a priority basis.
Collectors in the districts have been asked to complete the reservation of seats as per the PRI/Act Rules and send the final list to the State Election Commission by October 30.
“I am directed to say that the General Elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is likely to be held in the State in 2022. Consequent upon reservation of seats is required to be completed within the timeframe at the level of District/Government as per the provision of the PRI Act/Rules,” the Director of Panchayati Raj department Gyana Das stated in his letter to all Collectors.
Also Read
According to the calendar of events laid out for reservation of seats, the draft publication in respect of Ward Member/Sarpanch and PS member/Chairman will be released by the Collectors on October 8. Inviting of claims and objections and disposal of the same should be completed by October 16 and 21, respectively.
As per the Sub-Rule 4 of Rule 3 of OGP Election Rules, 1965, candidates can file objections within 7 days of the draft publications.
The final list should be dispatched to the State Election Commission (SEC) on October 26.
In the case of Zilla Parishad members, the government has fixed the date for draft publication as October 8. Invitation of claims and objections should be completed by October 18 while disposal of the same can be finished by October 22. Rule 6 of OZP (DRC) Rules, 1995 provides 10 days for candidates to file objections.
The government will approve the reservation list on October 29 which will be followed by the communication of the final list by the government to SEC on October 30.
Lastly, for Zilla Parishad President posts, the State government will publish the draft list on October 16. Dates for finalization of publication and communication of the list to the SEC have been fixed on October 26 and 29.