Himachal Moves to Empower Grassroots: New Bill Aims to Clean Up Panchayat System and Boost Local Justice

In a significant step toward strengthening local governance, the Himachal Pradesh Government has introduced a Bill in the Vidhan Sabha to amend the Panchayati Raj Act of 1994. The goal? To make Panchayati Raj institutions more transparent, accountable, and aligned with modern legal standards.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur, presenting the Bill on behalf of Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, explained that the proposed changes aim to bring the state’s Panchayat laws in line with the newly enacted Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The amendments are designed to ensure that local bodies operate with greater integrity and efficiency.

One of the key provisions in the Bill is a strict ban on Panchayat members and employees engaging in contracts or commissions related to Panchayat work. Violators will face penal action under Section 202 of the BNS, and if found guilty, will be disqualified from office—even if already elected.

The Bill also gives more teeth to Panchayat Secretaries, empowering them to recover unpaid dues like taxes, water charges, and rents. These recoveries will be treated as arrears of land revenue, with oversight from the Collector, and support from Block Development Officers and Chief Executive Officers.

In a move that could ease pressure on the judicial system, the Bill allows Gram Panchayats to handle minor offences locally. These include public nuisance, petty thefts (up to ₹250), criminal trespass, and misconduct in public places. By enabling Panchayats to resolve such issues, the government hopes to deliver quicker justice at the community level.

The Bill is set to be discussed further during the ongoing monsoon session of the Assembly. According to the government, these reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize local governance, respond to long-standing demands for cleaner administration, and bring justice closer to the people.