7 months ago
Bihar Panch, Sarpanch Gain MLC Voting Rights
In Bihar, India, the Panch and Sarpanch, who are members and heads of village courts, have been given the right to vote in elections for the Bihar Legislative Council.
Before this change, only village heads, ward members, and other Panchayat representatives could vote in these elections.
The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj clarified that under the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, Gram Panchayats are considered local bodies, making all their elected representatives eligible to vote.
This decision adds thousands of new voters to the list, which will change how the MLC elections work.
It also makes the role of these representatives more important in local governance and strengthens democracy at the village level.
Panch and Sarpanch in Bihar granted voting rights in MLC elections from local authorities’ constituencies.
Previously, only Mukhiyas, ward members, and other Panchayat representatives could vote in these elections.
The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj clarified that Gram Panchayats fall under 'local bodies' under Article 171(3)(A) of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act.
This decision adds thousands of new voters to the MLC elections, changing the dynamics of the electoral process.
Granting voting rights to Panch and Sarpanch is expected to boost their morale and strengthen rural democracy.
- Who
- Panch (members of village courts) and Sarpanch (heads of village courts) in Bihar
- What
- Granted the right to vote in Bihar Legislative Council elections from local authorities’ constituencies
- Where
- Bihar, India
- When
- After the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj's clarification
- Why
- To include all elected representatives of Gram Panchayats in the democratic process, fulfilling a long-standing demand
Key facts
- Voting Rights Granted To
- Panch and Sarpanch
- Constitutional Basis
- Article 171(3)(A) of the Constitution
- Legislation
- Representation of the People Act
- Impact
- Thousands of new voters added to MLC elections
- Significance
- Strengthens rural democracy and Gram Kachahari
Quotes
MLC Sachchidanand Rai
Member of the Bihar Legislative Council
“Panch and Sarpanches had been neglected for a long time, even though they were a crucial link in the judicial and administrative system through the Gram Kachahari (village courts).”
freepressjournal.in
“Granting voting rights to the Panch and Sarpanches would boost their morale and make their role in the local governance system more effective. This will strengthen the Gram Kachahari and further empower democracy at the rural level.”
freepressjournal.in
