Incentives for unanimously elected panchayats hiked

ELURU: The State Government has enhanced the financial incentives for Gram Panchayats that elect their Sarpanches and all ward members unanimously in the 2026 general elections, Eluru District collector K Vetriselvi has announced. According to the revised orders, Gram Panchayats with a population of up to 5,000 will receive an incentive of Rs 15 lakh, those with a population between 5,001 and 10,000 will get Rs 25 lakh, while Panchayats with more than 10,000 population will be eligible for Rs 50 lakh.

The Collector said the enhanced incentives would apply exclusively to the 2026 Gram Panchayat general elections. The amount would be sanctioned only after election authorities officially declare the Sarpanch and all ward member posts in a particular Gram Panchayat as unanimously elected.

She explained that the earlier incentive structure provided Rs 5 lakh for Panchayats with a population of up to 2,000, Rs 10 lakh for those with 2,001–5,000 population, Rs 15 lakh for 5,001–10,000 population and Rs 20 lakh for Panchayats with more than 10,000 population.

Before releasing the incentives, officials will verify the eligibility of the respective Gram Panchayats. The funds must be utilised exclusively for approved development activities and public welfare works, in accordance with prescribed financial, accounting and audit procedures.

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The Hans India