Panchayat poll delay in state figures in Pari
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 29 2025: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has acknowledged that the delay in holding Panchayat elections in Manipur, which were due in 2022, is a result of administrative changes and the prevailing law and order situation in the state.

Responding to a question raised by Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, union MoS for Panchayati Raj Prof SP Singh Baghel confirmed that the last general elections to Panchayats in Manipur were held in October 2017 with the term ending in October 2022 .

He said that the 6th general Panchayat elections were initially scheduled for June 2023 but have since been suspended due to the disturbed law and order situation in the state.

Baghel stated that Panchayats fall under the State List of the Constitution, and the responsibility of conducting elections lies with the respective state governments in accordance with their State Panchayati Raj Acts.

He noted that the Constitution mandates the holding of Panchayat elections every five years, and while the Centre issues advisories to encourage timely elections, the actual conduct of polls depends on the state concerned.

In the case of Manipur, the minister said that the state had a two-tier Panchayati Raj system comprising Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishads until 2022 .

Following a Gazette notification dated February 20, 2023, a third tier - Panchayat Samitis or Block Panchayats - was added to the system through an amendment to the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 .

However, the finalisation of the administrative structure for Panchayat Samitis is still in process.

The minister said that the onset of ethnic violence in May 2023 and subsequent declaration of Manipur as a "Disturbed Area" on September 27, 2023, further delayed the election process.

He also pointed out that President's Rule has been in effect in the state since February 13, 2025, complicating efforts to resume the electoral process.

The ministry attributed such delays to a range of factors including administrative issues, legal disputes, delimitation, and questions of reservation, all of which fall under the purview of the state governments.

Nonetheless, the central government has taken steps to push for early elections.

An advisory was issued to the Government of Manipur on December 18, 2024, urging the state to remove administrative hurdles and conduct the elections without further delay.

Baghel said that the Manipur government has informed the Centre that it is taking steps to resolve the ongoing conflict, strengthen law and order, and initiate dialogue for peace in order to pave the way for conduct of local body elections.

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