Shimla, April 20
The State Election Commission Himachal Pradesh has initiated full-scale preparations for local body elections 2026 following directions from the Supreme Court of India, mandating constitution of municipalities and Panchayati Raj Institutions by May 31, 2026.
In an official communication issued on April 20, the Commission has instructed all Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil), District Panchayat Officers, and Block Development Officers across the state to remain stationed at their respective headquarters. The directive emphasizes that officers should not leave their postings except under unavoidable circumstances.
The move signals the administration’s shift into election readiness mode, with groundwork already underway to meet the court-imposed deadline. The Commission noted that necessary preparations have been completed in compliance with the apex court’s order.
The letter, signed by Secretary Surjeet Singh Rathore, also underlines the urgency of coordinated administrative presence to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.
With the deadline approaching, the state machinery is expected to intensify logistical arrangements, including electoral roll updates, polling infrastructure readiness, and deployment planning.
