Now, nominated members in zilla parishads, panchayat samitis

Mumbai: The state cabinet on Thursday cleared a proposal to appoint co-opted or nominated members in zilla parishads and panchayat samitis, just like nominated corporators in municipal corporations. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule last year demanded that co-opted or nominated members be appointed in these local bodies. Political observers said this was an important decision in terms of rural politics.According to the decision, 10% of the members in the zilla parishad and 20% of the members in the panchayat samitis can be co-opted or nominated members. "It will be mandatory to elect at least five members. A new bill will be passed in the state legislature to this effect soon," officials said.
"After the results of the municipal elections in the state were announced, co-opted or nominated corporators were appointed. The parties got these nominated corporator posts on the basis of numerical strength. In addition, the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections were also held recently, and now there will be nominated members in the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti as well," officials said.Bawankule proposed an amendment to the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis Act to appoint 5 nominated members in the Zilla Parishad and 2 members in the Panchayat Samiti during the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. CM Devendra Fadnavis responded positively and instructed the Rural Development Department to take action."This will give an opportunity for those who do not have the ability to contest elections. The Mahayuti govt took this decision with the aim of providing an opportunity to party workers and individuals who are doing community-oriented work in rural areas, but do not have the ability to contest elections, to participate in the development process. Therefore, it was decided that interested workers will get the opportunity to sit in the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis as nominated members," officials said."Appointment of nominated members in the Zilla Parishads ended in 1992. To strengthen local self-government institutions in India, the central govt brought the 73rd Amendment Act in 1992. The implementation of this Act began from April 24 1993. Since then, the appointment of nominated members in Zilla Parishads was discontinued," the official explained.