Jaipur, Dec 8 (IANS) The Rajasthan government has initiated a major administrative step as the tenure of Panchayat Samiti Pradhans and Zila Parishad chiefs begins to expire across the state.

Instead of extending the terms or appointing existing leaders as administrators, the government has decided that Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will take charge of Panchayat Samitis, while District Collectors will serve as administrators of District Councils.

According to orders issued by the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, SDMs will be appointed in all Panchayat Samitis whose terms are ending by December 11, with District Collectors given the discretion to decide which officer will oversee each area.

A total of 222 Panchayat Samitis in 21 districts, including Udaipur, Tonk, Rajsamand and Sikar, are set to complete their terms this month.

Earlier, the government had appointed Divisional Commissioners as administrators after the expiry of terms in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota Municipal Corporations.

Meanwhile, District Collectors will assume charge in districts such as Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Banswara, Churu, Hanumangarh, Jhalawar, Jalore and others.

This move marks a departure from the previous policy in which outgoing Sarpanches were appointed as administrators after elections were delayed in several Panchayats, and temporary committees were formed to continue governance.

Panchayat Samiti Pradhans had demanded an extension similar to Sarpanches and raised the matter with the Panchayati Raj Minister and the Chief Minister, but the government rejected the request and reinstated the earlier procedure of appointing administrative officers.

The new system will remain in place until fresh elections are conducted.

–IANS

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