Shimla, April 1 -- Himachal Pradesh Government on Wednesday introduced a significant amendment to the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, seeking to bar individuals involved in drug offences, financial irregularities, land encroachment and conflict of interest from contesting panchayat elections and to ensure their disqualification even after being elected.
The amendment Bill, tabled by Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh in the Assembly, aims to safeguard the integrity of grassroots democratic institutions amid growing concerns over criminalisation and misuse of office in rural governance.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons the legislation is intended to curb the menace of drug abuse and illicit financial activiti...