Shimla, April 22 -- The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a major financial incentive scheme to encourage consensus-based elections in Panchayati Raj institutions, offering awards ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore for bodies elected unopposed.

According to an official communication issued by the Panchayati Raj Department on April 21, Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads that elect all their members and office bearers unanimously in the upcoming elections will be eligible for grant-in-aid incentives.

Under the scheme, Gram Panchayats will receive Rs 25 lakh if all members, including the Pradhan and Up-Pradhan, are elected unopposed. Panchayat Samitis will be given Rs 50 lakh for unanimous election of members...