Shimla: The Panchayati Raj Department has landed itself in an embarrassing situation after issuing a notification fixing dates for the first meetings of newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives.
While the order fixes June 27, 2026, for most Panchayats, it surprisingly mentions October 18, 2026, for representatives in Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and some excluded Panchayats.
The contradictory dates have triggered confusion among newly elected representatives, many of whom are unsure when they will actually take oath and formally assume office.
Political observers and Panchayat members are questioning whether the department has inadvertently issued a flawed notification or whether there are specific administrative reasons behind the unusual four-month delay.
With thousands of elected representatives waiting for clarity, the government would do well to issue an immediate clarification before uncertainty gives way to controversy.
Does the department itself know the dates it has fixed for the elected representatives?
