Parishads To Be Run By Special Officers Ahead Of Local Polls

VIJAYAWADA: Mandal praja parishads (MPPs) and zilla praja parishads (ZPPs) will be administered by Special Officers as the terms of their elected bodies end this month, according to the panchayat raj and rural development department.

The tenure of MPP members, presidents and vice-presidents will end on September 23. From September 24, the MPPs will function under special officers appointed by district collectors.

Senior district-level officers, excluding engineers and above the rank of mandal parishad development officer, will be appointed as special officers for the MPPs. Their tenure will be six months or until newly elected representatives assume office, whichever is earlier.

The tenure of ZPP members, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons will end on September 24. From September 25, district collectors and district magistrates will function as special officers for the ZPPs until fresh representatives assume office.

The notifications, issued by special chief secretary Kantilal Dande, said the interim arrangements were intended to ensure continuity in local administration. In cases where the tenure of an MPP extends beyond September 23, collectors will appoint Special Officers subsequently.

Meanwhile, the government has initiated the restructuring of ZPPs following the creation of new districts. The existing 13 ZPPs are being reorganised into 28, according to the report.

The state election commission is also preparing for the local body elections and has directed officials to finalise photo-based electoral rolls and polling station arrangements.