The recent change of guard in Uttarakhand has fanned speculation about the possibility of further postponement of the three-tier Panchayat election which is scheduled to be held in three phases on March 8, 11, and 14.
Officials of the District administration revealed that election date could be postponed as newly appointed Chief Minister Harish Rawat has just begun his tenure and might need some time to prove his governing knack in order to ensure proper development in the State capital. Officials of the District Administration said that the election model code of conduct might be implemented in some days which would prevent Rawat from initiating work on any new development related works in the State. Therefore, chances of the Panchayat election being postponed appear strong.
However, the preparations for the Panchayat election are being undertaken irrespective of this speculation. Assistant District Election Officer, RB Dubey informed that of the six blocks in Dehradun district, booths have been designated for four blocks including Chakrata, Vikasnagar, Sahaspur and Doiwala. The work of designating booths in the remaining two blocks-Raipur and Kalsi is yet to be completed, he said.
Dubey informed that earlier in 2008 there were 422 Gram Panchayats in Dehradun district which has now increased to 460 after addition of 38 new Gram Panchayats. Similarly, the total number of booths in 2008 was around 1,283 which is now expected to exceed 1300, he added. Officials said preparations for the route chart for officials deputed to panchayat polls duty is in progress. Routes for three blocks — Doiwala, Chakrata and Vikasnagar — have been charted, said Dubey, adding a meet is scheduled on February 8 which would be presided over by officials from the Central Government to finalise the date of panchayat election.