With the notification for panchayat elections in Telangana, election activity has intensified across villages. Aspirants are preparing to contest for Sarpanch and ward member positions, filing nominations to demonstrate their influence at the grassroots level. The first phase of nominations has concluded, and the second phase commenced today.
Election authorities have urged candidates to strictly adhere to the nomination guidelines, warning that even minor mistakes can lead to disqualification. Lack of awareness about eligibility rules has caused difficulties for candidates in previous elections.
Eligibility and Guidelines
Under the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, key rules for candidates include:
* Minimum age of 21 years.
* Name must appear in the relevant voter list.
* SC, ST, and BC candidates must submit a valid caste certificate.
* A self-declaration detailing criminal history, movable/immovable assets, loans, family assets, education and other details, signed by two witnesses, is mandatory.
* Candidates contesting from a ward other than their own must have a proposer who is a registered voter of that ward.
* Reservation rules must be strictly followed.
* A candidate may submit up to four nominations for a single post. If contesting multiple posts, they must withdraw excess nominations within the prescribed period.
* Candidates must have no outstanding dues to the panchayat, and government or panchayat employees and loan defaulters are ineligible.
Documents and Fees
Candidates must submit Form-3 (Nomination Form), self-declaration (affidavit), election expenditure declaration, and pay the required deposit fee. A separate bank account must be opened specifically for election-related expenses. Voter ID, Aadhaar, and caste certificates are mandatory.
Deposit fees are as follows:
* Sarpanch (General category): Rs 2,000
* Ward member: Rs 500
* SC, ST, and BC candidates receive a 50% concession on the deposit, subject to caste certificate submission.
The nomination form contains six sections, covering proposer details, candidate declaration, caste certification, and administrative approvals handled by the Returning Officer.
Three-Child Rule Lifted
The two-child rule, in place since 1994, previously restricted candidates with more than two children from contesting panchayat elections. The Telangana government has lifted this restriction, allowing candidates with three or more children to contest in the current elections. A gazette notification formalizing this change was issued on November 1.