CORRECTED COPY

Amravati, 21 Feb (HS): The Nagpur Bench of the

Bombay High Court stayed the decision of the Additional Secretary of Rural

Development relating to appointment of administrator on Gram Panchayats. The

notification to appoint the administrator was issued on January 23, against

which 13 Gram Panchayat members from Gram Panchayat in Dhamangaon moved the

court. The High Court has issued notice to the State Government on February 20,

to file reply before February 24, the next date for hearing.

The Gram Panchayats across the state have opposed to

appointment of government officials as Gram Panchayat administrators.

Traditionally either Sarpanch or senior member of the Gram Panchayat are

appointed administrator. The term of more than 16,000 Gram Panchayats have expired

and procedure for appointment of administrators is in process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar