STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: After the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, the Assam Government wants to initiate steps for the delimitation of panchayats. For this, the Assam Panchayat (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in the House today on the first day of the autumn session of the Assam Assembly.
Through this Bill, the government also seeks to bring in some major amendments. The Bill was introduced by State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass. According to the Bill, Gaon Panchayat, Anchalik Panchayat and Zilla Parishad constituencies will be delimited. For this purpose, a District Delimitation Commission will be formed with the District Commissioner as chairman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad as member secretary, and the Election Officer as member. There will be no direct election for the post of Gaon Panchayat president. The Gaon Panchayat president and vice president will be chosen from among the elected members of the Ward Sabhas. One Gaon Panchayat will include 10 Ward Sabhas. No party symbols will be used by candidates contesting in the Gaon Panchayat elections. Fifty per cent seats in the Gaon Panchayats, Anchalik Panchayats and Zilla Parishads will be reserved for women.
The minimum educational qualification for members of Ward Sabhas will be Class X pass for general category candidates and the minimum qualification for Anchalik Panchayat and Zilla Parishad members will be Class XII pass. In the election of Anchalik Panchayat and Zilla Parishad, symbols of political parties may be used. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used in the panchayat elections. The Bill also has provision against defection by Zilla Parishad members.
On the other hand, State Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented the Supplementary Budget for the financial year 2023-24.
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