Archive · 26 Jul 2026
West Bengal Passes Panchayat Amendment Bill
The West Bengal Assembly passed a new law to help local village councils called panchayats.
This law says that if the leaders of a panchayat are not around for more than 15 days, someone else can temporarily take charge.
This person, called an administrator, can make decisions and do the work of the panchayat for up to 30 days.
The law also says that to stop corruption, two people must sign any money orders from the panchayat fund.
The government says this is to make things work better, but some people think it's not fair and hurts democracy.
The West Bengal Panchayat (Amendment) Bill was passed to curb corruption and revive defunct panchayats.
Authority to sign financial documents can be temporarily transferred to panchayat secretary and assistant secretary.
An administrator can be appointed for up to 30 days in the absence of pradhan and upa-pradhan.
All payment orders from the gram panchayat fund require joint signatures of the executive assistant and the secretary.
The opposition criticizes the bill as an attack on democracy.
- Who
- West Bengal Assembly
- What
- Passed the Panchayat (Amendment) Bill
- When
- Saturday
- Where
- West Bengal
- Why
- To curb corruption and revive defunct panchayats
Government's Perspective
Opposition's Perspective
Purpose of the Bill
Government's Perspective
The government claims the bill is to curb corruption and revive defunct panchayats.
Opposition's Perspective
The opposition views it as an attack on democracy and a continuation of previous government's actions.
- Bill Name
- West Bengal Panchayat (Amendment) Bill
- Passed On
- Saturday
- Key Amendment
- Temporary transfer of financial authority to panchayat secretary and assistant secretary
- Administrator Appointment
- For a maximum period of 30 days in the absence of pradhan and upa-pradhan
- Corruption Curb
- Mandatory signatures of executive assistant and secretary on payment orders