Jaipur | Just months before the upcoming Panchayat elections, the Rajasthan government has made a major political and administrative move. Over 11,000 sarpanchs across the state have now been given power to distribute land leases (patte) under the old 1996 provisions of the Panchayati Raj Act.
According to the new order, each panchayat will form a special committee that includes the sarpanch and elected panch members, who will jointly verify and issue leases for eligible villagers. These committees will ensure transparency and follow established land records.
The decision effectively turns sarpanchs — many currently acting as administrators (prashasak) due to ongoing transitions — into key decision-makers in village land allotment.
Political observers view this as a “masterstroke” move ahead of elections, likely to strengthen rural engagement and local goodwill. Sources say a large number of leases may be distributed in the coming weeks, impacting villages across Rajasthan’s 11,000 panchayats.
Officials insist the decision aligns with rural development and land rights objectives, but opposition parties are expected to question its timing and intent.
