Amardeep Dagde, (Nanded):

The Government of Maharashtra has issued an important official notification today regarding the administration of Gram Panchayats whose tenure has expired or is about to expire. According to the notification, due to administrative reasons preventing timely conduct of Gram Panchayat elections, the government has decided to appoint the existing Sarpanch and members themselves as administrators.
As per the gazette notification published by the Rural Development Department on February 20, 2026, the tenure of several Gram Panchayats in the state has already ended, while the tenure of some others will expire by February 28, 2026. However, due to various administrative difficulties, elections for the concerned Gram Panchayats could not be completed within the stipulated time. Therefore, this decision has been taken to ensure the smooth continuation of Gram Panchayat administration.
Under the provisions of the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act, 1959, the government has granted authority to the Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads to appoint administrators. Accordingly, the existing Sarpanch will be appointed as the administrator of the respective Gram Panchayat. This appointment will remain valid for a period of six months or until the completion of the new Gram Panchayat election process, whichever occurs earlier.
Furthermore, to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning, the government has directed the formation of an administrative committee comprising the existing Deputy Sarpanch and Gram Panchayat members. The administrator and the committee will be empowered to exercise all powers and perform duties as provided under the Gram Panchayat Act.
According to the administration, this decision will prevent disruption in development works until elections are conducted and will help maintain administrative continuity. The move is being considered significant in ensuring uninterrupted rural development activities, proper utilization of funds, and the smooth functioning of local self-governance institutions.

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