Hyderabad: The State Election Commission has tripled the poll expenditure limit for candidates contesting the upcoming gram panchayat elections in July.
Those contesting for the sarpanch post in villages with a population above 5,000 can spend up to Rs 2.5 lakh (Rs 80,000 earlier). In villages of less than 5,000 population the expenditure can be up to Rs 1.50 lakh (Rs 40,000 earlier).
The expenditure for ward members has been increased to Rs 50,000 (Rs 10,000 earlier) in villages above 5,000 population, and to Rs 30,000 (Rs 6,000 earlier) in villages below 5,000 population.
Bidding for gram panchayats, which would avoid the holding of elections, will now attract a jail term and penalty. It’s been a longstanding practice to bid for gram panchayats and the highest bidders are elected unopposed. The new norms were issued by the state election commission in accordance with the New Panchayat Raj Act 2018 approved by the TS Legislature in March.
The poll expenditure limit for panchayat elections was last increased in 2013 in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Though panchayat elections are fought on non-party basis, it's an open secret that the contestants are backed by political parties and after results are out all parties claim that the candidates supported by them won the elections.
There have been several representations from political parties and contesting candidates to increase the poll expenditure limit to keep pace with inflation. Though the limit has been raised, the State Election Commission has issued strict guidelines for candidates to maintain proper accounts as with general elections, else they will be disqualified. Candidates have to open separate accounts in banks for the poll expenses and submit the details to the commission every day.
The commission will also depute its independent observers who will assess the expenditure for the poll campaign and submit its findings to the commission for cross verification. Anyone caught bidding for gram panchayats will get a jail sentence and the election will be cancelled. Though unanimous elections will be allowed, the commission will inquire whether it was done through consensus in a democratic manner or because of money changing hands through bidding.
