Chandigarh, Nov 13: Punjab’s sarpanches and panches will now have to think twice before planning a foreign trip. In a bid to ensure that development work in villages does not come to a halt, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats has made it mandatory for elected representatives to take prior approval from the government before leaving the country.
The move extends the “Ex-India Leave” provision, earlier applicable only to government employees and MLAs, to grassroots leaders. Under the new SOPs, leave applications must reach the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) at least a month before departure. During a sarpanch’s absence, a panch will officiate the post, ensuring that routine work, including issuance of caste and income certificates, continues without disruption.
Punjab has 13,238 sarpanches and 83,437 panchayat members, many of whom travel abroad during winters for personal reasons. Officials said the decision follows reports that rural development often stalled when representatives left the country.
Maninder Singh, Sangrur Sarpanch Union president, called the move “a step in the right direction.” He said, “If someone officiates in their absence, villagers won’t face difficulties in getting routine work done.” Upon returning, sarpanches and panches must submit an attendance report before resuming charge, and any leave extensions will have to be approved via email or phone.
The SOPs are designed to strike a balance between the personal freedom of elected representatives and the administrative needs of Punjab’s villages.
