PolityGS-IGS-II· 1 min read
Rajasthan Panchayat Elections Witness Significant Turnout
Why in news?
The first phase of Panchayat Raj elections in Rajasthan saw an overall turnout of 19.64% by 1 p.m., with Jodhpur leading in polling percentage, indicating active participation in local governance elections.
Key points
- First phase of Rajasthan's Panchayati Raj elections held on October 22, 2026.
- Overall turnout was 19.64% till 1 p.m.; Jodhpur recorded the highest at 35.50%.
- Polling was for 2,081 seats across 16 zila parishads and 104 panchayat samitis.
- Over 85 lakh voters were eligible to cast their vote.
- Elections are being conducted in three phases for various local body tiers.
Background & context
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are the third tier of government in India, established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, to empower local self-governance. These elections are crucial for democratic decentralization and rural development.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, is the basis for Panchayati Raj in India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society (Rural governance). GS Paper 2: Polity (Decentralization, local governance, federalism).