Shimla, April 10 -- Individuals who have encroached upon government land will be barred from contesting the upcoming panchayat elections, the State Election Commission has stated. The ban is also applicable to those involved in corruption and drug smuggling, the circular mentioned, adding that the aim is to ensure election of representatives with a clean image.

The panchayati raj department has begun compiling a record of members facing such allegations. In accordance with government directives, if an individual's name appears on a misal (revenue record) regarding encroachment, he or she will be deemed ineligible to contest the election. Moreover, no member of that individual's family will be permitted to enter the electoral fray either....