Panchayati Raj

In Sikkim, Panchayati Raj has been functioning since 1965. Dzumsa, a traditional democratic institution of local governmence has been in existence for many centuries in the two villages of Lachen and Lachung in the North District of the State. The Head Pipons of the 'Dzumsas' of Lachen and Lachung have been recognised as the Zilla Panchayat Members of Territorial Constituencies under Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993.

The foundation of Panchayati Raj is based upon the conduct of elections to Panchayats. Article 243E of the Constitution inter alia provides that every Panchayat, unless dissolved earlier under any law for the time being in force, shall continue for five years from the date of its appointment and no longer. This makes it abundantly clear that elections to each Panchayat shall be completed before the completion of the earlier term so that next Panchayat can take over on the completion of the term of the sitting Panchayat.

Constitution of State Election Commission Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat- 2007

1. Article 243K of the Constitution of India contains a provision for the constitution of Panchayat bodies at the village, intermediate and district levels in every State. However, for states having population of less than or not exceeding 20 lakhs ,there is an option not to constitute Panchayat at the intermediate level . Our State has adopted two tier Panchayat System, viz. Gram Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat.
2. The state government has framed the Sikkim Panchayat (Conduct of Elections) Rules, 1997  under Section 130 and other enabling provisions of Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993. According to Rule 6 of the said Rules, the District Collectors are vested with the powers to coordinate and supervise the works in the Districts under their jurisdiction in connection with all elections to Gram Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the State Election Commission.
3. State Election Commission appoints District Collectors of the four Districts as District Panchayat Election Officers to carry out all the tasks pertaining to the Panchayat Election.