Punjab Panchayat Election: State Election Commission eases candidate nomination process 

In a significant relief for candidates contesting the October 15 Panchayat election in Punjab, the State Election Commission has allowed them to file an affidavit instead of an NOC regarding tax dues and property occupation. This move eliminates the mandatory NOC submission with nomination papers.

Advertisement

Previously, candidates were required to obtain an NOC, which often led to harassment of opposition party candidates for political reasons, according to Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amarinder Raja Warring.

The State Election Commission has shifted the responsibility of verifying the affidavit’s authenticity to the concerned government department, which must submit a report within 24 hours. If no report is received, the candidate will be presumed clear of any defaults or unauthorised occupation.

The Panchayat election will elect 13,237 sarpanches and 83,437 panches statewide, with votes counted at respective polling stations on the same day. Some candidates are being elected unopposed.

In preparation for the elections, candidates have rushed to clear their challah tax (house tax) dues with the Panchayats department. Candidates must also obtain an NOC confirming they do not occupy property belonging to local authorities. The SC/ST families are exempt from the Rs 7 per annum per house challah tax.

The State Election Commission clarified that NOCs are issued by concerned authorities, but the Punjab State Election Commission Act 1994 and rules do not require NOC obtainment. These fresh instructions aim to simplify the nomination process for candidates.