The Maharashtra Government has taken an important decision regarding the expiring Gram Panchayats in the State and resolved the issue of the Administrator’s post. Now, in the Gram Panchayats whose term is expiring by February 28, the existing Sarpanch will be appointed as the Administrator. This will ensure continuity in the administration at the village-level and avoid the vacuum created by sudden changes. According to the circular issued by the State Government, the decision will be applicable only for the Gram Panchayats whose term is expiring by February 28. During the period, the power to appoint the Administrator and the Administrative Committee will be with the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad of the concerned district.

 

According to the circular issued earlier in January, the decision to appoint administrators to the Gram Panchayats whose term is expiring in 2026 was announced. However, considering the large number of Gram Panchayats in the State and the limited availability of extension officers, there was a possibility of difficulties in the administration. Therefore, the government has taken a revised decision by which Sarpanch will work as Administrator. According to the new decision, only those who are in the post of Sarpanch till the expiry of the term of the Gram Panchayat will be appointed as administrators. An administrative committee of the existing Upasarpanch and Gram Panchayat members will be formed to help them. This is being done to have smooth administration of Gram Panchayats at the local level and save time for new people to understand the administration.

 

The term of the Administrator and the Administrative Committee will be six months from the date of their appointment or till the completion of the elections of the concerned Gram Panchayat, whichever is earlier. This is a temporary measure and the regularly elected office-bearers will take over as soon as the election process is completed. The limited number of extension officers in the Panchayat Samiti is also a major problem. Keeping this background in mind, the government has decided to temporarily handover the administration to the existing Sarpanch and his team at the local level.