Turbulent tenure: Sirmaur panchayats witness unprecedented wave of suspensions, dismissals

Panchayati Raj institutions in Sirmaur district have witnessed a turbulent phase during the ongoing five-year tenure, with as many as 31 representatives across 18 panchayats facing suspension or dismissal over the past four years and eight months. The actions, taken on grounds ranging from irregularities in developmental works to legal disqualifications, reflect an unusual scale of accountability in grassroots governance.

The panchayat elections were held in Himachal Pradesh in January 2021. From then until September 15, 2025, a total of 31 representatives were penalised in Sirmaur district, which has 259 panchayats. Of these, five suspensions took place during the two years of the BJP government, while 26 suspensions and dismissals were recorded under the Congress government during its two-and-a-half-year tenure.

The highest number of actions has been reported from the Shillai Assembly constituency, where 19 panchayat representatives were either suspended or dismissed. Shri Renukaji constituency recorded five cases, Nahan four, Pachhad two and Paonta Sahib one.

The list of penalised representatives includes several high-profile cases. In Kotidhiman panchayat, irregularities in development works led to the suspension of Pradhan Indira Devi, Up-Pradhan Surender Singh and ward member Kuldeep Singh in March 2022. Similarly, Hallah Panchayat Pradhan Samiti Devi was suspended in August 2022 and later dismissed in October 2023. Pipliwala Pradhan Safi Mohammad was declared ineligible and dismissed in December 2023 for filing a false affidavit during elections.

Encroachment on forest land led to the dismissal of Matar Panchayat Up-Pradhan Liaqat Ali in October 2023, while Sangrah Panchayat Pradhan Neelam faced suspension in May 2024 before being permanently removed in February 2025. Several others, including leaders from Kotidhiman, Kothi Uttrau, Naya Panjaud, Kathwad and Ashayari, were suspended or dismissed following detailed inquiries.

In certain cases, judicial custody also led to automatic disqualification. Nahan Up-Pradhan Jaiprakash and Banethi Up-Pradhan Rajkumar were both dismissed on September 6 after remaining in judicial custody for more than 14 days.

District Panchayat Officer Dr Vinay Kumar confirmed that each action was taken after complaints and formal inquiries. “Suspension and dismissal of panchayat representatives is carried out strictly on the basis of findings in official investigations,” he said.