Shimla, July 31 -- In a significant expansion in the State's local governance structure, following delimitation, the number of gram panchayats increased from 3,615 in 2021 to 3,758 in 2026 in the state, mentions a report on the General Elections to Local Bodies in Himachal Pradesh-2026 Anil Khachi, state election commissioner, presented it to governor Kavinder Gupta on Thursday. The report pointed out that following delimitation, the number of panchayat samitis rose from 81 to 92 while in urban areas, the number of nagar panchayats increased from 27 to 39, and municipal corporations from five to eight. The report also highlights the steady growth in the electorate, which reached 54.55 lakh voters in 2026. Around 80% voter turnout was recorded in Panchayat elections, while Urban Local Body elections registered a turnout of 70.14%. The report covers the general elections to the panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies held in May 2026 and presents a comprehensive account of the planning, preparation and conduct of the electoral process. The governor appreciated the detailed report, describing it as a valuable reference document for policymakers, researchers, administrators and citizens interested in grassroots democratic institutions....