The State Election Commission has released the complete schedule for the upcoming Uttarakhand Panchayat elections. This year, a significant addition of 4.56 lakh new voters will participate in the elections, marking a 10.57% increase from the 2019 polls. A total of 67 observers will oversee the election process, including 55 general observers and 12 reserved observers.
According to State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar, three enforcement teams will be deployed at the district level—comprising officials from the administration, police, and excise departments. These teams will monitor and act against illegal liquor, narcotics, unaccounted cash, and other inducements.
While separate expenditure observers have not been appointed, district-level officials will monitor poll expenses. These officials will work alongside the administrative teams to ensure candidates remain within the allowed expenditure limits and conduct periodic expense verification.
The expenditure limits for various posts have been revised upward compared to the previous election. The new limits are as follows:
- Gram Panchayat Member: ₹10,000
- Gram Pradhan: ₹75,000 (up from ₹50,000)
- Block Development Committee (BDC) Member: ₹75,000 (up from ₹50,000)
- District Panchayat Member: ₹2,00,000 (up from ₹1,40,000)
Election Schedule:
First Phase:
- Nomination: 25–28 June (8 AM to 4 PM)
- Scrutiny: 29 June – 1 July (from 8 AM)
- Withdrawal: 2 July (8 AM to 3 PM)
- Symbol Allotment: 3 July (from 8 AM)
- Polling Date: 10 July (8 AM to 5 PM)
- Counting: 19 July (from 8 AM)
Second Phase:
- Nomination: 25–28 June (8 AM to 4 PM)
- Scrutiny: 29 June – 1 July (from 8 AM)
- Withdrawal: 2 July (8 AM to 3 PM)
- Symbol Allotment: 8 July (from 8 AM)
- Polling Date: 15 July (8 AM to 5 PM)
- Counting: 19 July (from 8 AM)
With over 66,000 posts up for election, preparations are in full swing. The elections are expected to be held in 12 districts, excluding Haridwar. Political activities at the village and district levels are gaining momentum as the election date nears.
