The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to overhaul its three-tier panchayati raj system by introducing direct elections for district panchayat presidents and block chiefs. Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar confirmed the proposal, which would mirror the electoral process for MPs and MLAs, has received in principle approval from Chief Minister.
The reform would shift the selection process from the current indirect system, where elected ward members choose these leaders, to direct public voting. Officials are drafting the formal proposal for central government consideration, with implementation possible in the next panchayat elections if approved.
Rajbhar disclosed prior discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the plan during a Delhi meeting last month. The move follows longstanding demands for greater grassroots democracy, though critics question its timing ahead of the 2027 state elections. Constitutional amendments would be required to implement the changes.
The proposed system could affect over 75 district panchayat presidents and 820 block chiefs across Uttar Pradesh. Similar direct election models exist in Maharashtra and Telangana for some rural governance positions.
