Eminent Social Strategist Dr P.C. Sharma Spearheads Movement for Unopposed Panchayats -- aims for "Harmony and Development" Incentives.
By Y.S.Rana
PARKASHPUR (Hamirpur): In a strategic move to foster rural harmony and accelerate development, Dr. P.C. Sharma, Chairman, World Heritage Foundation has launched an awareness campaign in the prominent districts of Himachal Pradesh Including Hamirpur and Kangra, encouraging villages to select their Panchayat representatives unopposed. Advocating this approach as a ‘win-win’ scenario, Dr. Sharma emphasizes that electing leaders unanimously not only eliminates local factionalism but also unlocks significant, increased government grants of up to Rs 25 lakh to Rs1 crore for the Gram Panchayats, paving the way for faster conflict-free development.
Moving beyond traditional electoral contests, Dr. P.C. Sharma is proactively motivating and encouraging communities across various pockets of Himachal Devbhumi to adopt the tradition of unanimous selection for local leadership. Highlighting the new state guidelines that provide substantial financial incentives for unopposed bodies, Dr. Sharma is educating villagers on how avoiding contentious elections strengthens and enhances social cohesion and brotherhood while bringing substantial 'Grant-in-aid' directly to their panchayats for holistic development projects. It will in turn reduce expenditure, prevent division in villages, and focus on developmental and non-political leadership.
Strengthening the tradition of grassroots democracy unopposed selection to various Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) ahead of the main upcoming elections is of indeed great importance.
Following the scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination papers, the District Election Office confirmed that the nominations for the three-phase, 242-gram panchayat elections were processed, with several candidates getting selected and thus securing victory without opposition.
Before the voting dates the district Hamirpur has reported 12 panchayat members elected unopposed across various wards. The District Election Office, under Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore, is managing the 3-phase voting scheduled for May 26, 28, and 30, with 10 wards already declared unopposed in the wider urban local body context.
This development comes amidst a new state government policy, which offers financial incentives of up to ₹25 lakh for Gram Panchayats that elect their entire leadership unanimously.
While some seats are filled, 242 Gram Panchayats in Hamirpur are still gearing up for elections with voting scheduled to ensure smooth and fair democratic participation.
The move toward unopposed elections is viewed as a way to reduce rural factionalism and secure higher financial grants for various developmental projects in the rural and urban sectors, aiming to enhance infrastructure and other basic amenities says Dr P.C. Sharma. Nominations can be withdrawn by May 15, clearing the way for several unopposed members. The administration has reported that all arrangements are in place to ensure a peaceful and transparent election process across the districts.
Among the local communities , Dr Sharma’s novel drive is getting support from many and view it as strengthening rural development and ensures smooth, peaceful local governance. Globally renowned visionary and legendary Dr P. C.Sharma who hails from the prestigious genealogy of world-famous Deotsidh Cave Shrine is actively co-ordinating, counciling and cementing this campaign amongst the residents at local, block and district levels to elect Panchayat representatives unopposed.
As 242 Gram Panchayats in Hamirpur gear up for the upcoming polls scheduled to be held in three phases on May 26, 28, and 30, 2026. Dr Sharma is engaging in marathon meetings with villagers to foster consensus.
The initiative comes in the wake of the Himachal Pradesh government's announcement to provide enhanced incentives to Panchayats that elect their pradhans, up-pradhans and ward members without contest.
Villages that choose the path of consensus are eligible for up to ₹25 Lakh for a Panchayat and significantly higher rewards and recognition for Zila Parishad members.
Noted Social Literater Dr T K Sankhyan and leading Health Organization Managing Director Dr Vanshish Sankhyan stated, “Electioneering often divides families and hampers village development. By choosing our leaders unanimously, we not only secure additional funds for rural and urban projects but also foster brotherhood and eliminate the cost and bitterness of elections. Our goal is to bring, not just a, but top-notch development to our district.”
Reports suggest that efforts are focused on the Bhoranj, Bamson, Bijhari and Sujanpur blocks etc where the community strategist is promoting young, educated individuals and, in many cases, advocating for all-women panchayats. Dr P C Sharma has also conceptualized to earn" Smart Panchayat Tag" to the selected pockets of Himachal Pradesh. Dr Sharma further advised Gen Z, Alfa and Beta to rise above petty interests and come forward and involve themselves in such community welfare programmes to attain the status of " Citizen Socialist "of great India.
The District Election Office in Hamirpur, led by Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore, has completed the initial preparations for the poll and is ensuring a free and fair process, while actively encouraging the public to opt for unanimously elected bodies.
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