(a) whether there is any move to give cash incentives to gram panchayats for conducting unanimous elections for sarpanches/Presidents;
(b) if so, the details and the reasons for such a move; and
(c) whether this move is antithetical to democracy and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)
(a) No Sir. As per Article 243K(1) of the Constitution, the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral roll for, and the conduct of, all elections are vested in State Election Commission (SEC). Further, in terms of Article 243K(4), subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Legislature of a State may, by law, make provision with respect to all matters relating to, or in connection with, elections to Panchayats.
(b) and (c) In view of (a) above, the question does not arise.
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