The Andhra Pradesh government has announced financial incentives ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for gram panchayats that elect their sarpanches and all ward members unanimously. The funds will be provided for village development and public welfare works.
The Panchayat Raj Department issued a new Government Order revising the incentives ahead of the 2026 gram panchayat elections. Villages with a population of up to 5,000 will receive Rs 15 lakh under the revised scheme.
Gram panchayats with populations between 5,001 and 10,000 will receive Rs 25 lakh. Those with more than 10,000 residents will be eligible for Rs 50 lakh, the highest amount offered under the new guidelines.
The incentives will apply only when both the sarpanch and all ward members are elected unopposed. Election authorities must officially confirm the unanimous results before the government releases the development funds.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha discussed the new policy after reviewing election arrangements at the Tirupati Collectorate. Senior police officials from 12 districts attended the meeting.
Punetha said discussions with district officials indicated that around 15 to 20 per cent of gram panchayats could witness unanimous elections. However, he clarified that this was only a preliminary assessment, as the new order had just been issued.
He said villagers would need time to discuss the proposal and reach decisions. Unanimous elections in some areas could also help the police deploy more personnel to sensitive polling locations.
Referring to disturbances reported during recent local body elections, Punetha said police officials in 12 sensitive districts had been directed to remain alert during the upcoming panchayat polls.
The SEC also assured candidates that police escorts would be arranged for filing nominations if required. Candidates facing threats can approach the district Superintendent of Police to seek special protection.
The revised incentives are intended to encourage uncontested elections while providing additional funds for village development. However, the right of candidates to contest and the freedom of voters must be protected throughout the election process.
