Term of GPs in Karnataka to end soon, all eyes fixed on EC & Government

Bengaluru: The term of many Gram Panchayats in the state is almost ending and with elections being ruled out, the state government has to now look at other options, say experts.

Keeping the present situation in mind, the government must either consider appointing a special committee or an administrator.

The term of several GPs will end in May if one takes into account the date of previous elections held. The term will end in June or July if the date of Panchayat members assuming power is considered.

The state government had reportedly written to Election Commission to postpone the GP elections by six months in wake of the Corona pandemic.

While the EC has not responded to this request yet, the state government too is indecisive over the appointment of administrators. However, sources say that the issue may come up for discussion in a meeting to be held today, May 14.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj KS Eshwarappa is quoted in Kannada daily ‘Prajavani’ saying that there is no urgency to hold elections because the term of 2600 GPs will end in June and the remaining will end in July.

The elections to 6,024 GPs should have been held, but the COVID-19 crisis has hit almost every sector and activities and the elections are no different.

However, as per the Panchayat Raj Act 1993, the GP elections cannot be postponed, but with the COVID-19 having been declared as a global pandemic, postponing the election is inevitable.

Source: NewsKaranataka.com