Important Facts of the News
- The Haryana Governor promulgated the ordinance on 28 October 2025.
- The ordinance amends the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
- It was issued under Article 213(1) of the Constitution of India as the State Legislature was not in session.
- A change has been made in Section 11 of the original Act.
- The word “general” will now replace the word “extraordinary” in sub-section (5).
- A new proviso has been added to sub-section (7A) regarding Gram Sabha quorum.
- For approving eligible beneficiaries of government schemes or preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plans: 40% quorum is required in the first meeting.
- If the first meeting lacks quorum, the Sarpanch shall wait for one hour before adjourning.
- The adjourned meeting on the next day or another decided day will require 30% quorum.
- If quorum is again not met, the subsequent meeting can proceed with 20% quorum.
Background
The Haryana Governor has brought into effect the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. This Ordinance modifies specific provisions of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. It was issued because the State Legislature was not in session, and the situation required immediate action under Article 213 of the Constitution of India.
Key Amendments
Change in Section 11(5)
In Section 11, the word “extraordinary” has been replaced with the word “general.”
Revised Quorum Rules under Section 11(7A)
A new proviso has been added to enhance clarity and consistency in Gram Sabha functioning. The new rules define quorum requirements for meetings held to identify beneficiaries of government schemes or to prepare a Gram Panchayat Development Plan.
- First scheduled meeting requires at least 40% of Gram Sabha members to form quorum.
- If the quorum is not met at the scheduled time, the Sarpanch will wait for up to one hour.
- If quorum remains insufficient, the meeting is adjourned to the next day or another day decided by the Sarpanch.
- The adjourned meeting will require 30% quorum.
- If quorum again falls short, the next meeting can proceed with 20% quorum.
Purpose of the Amendment
The revised quorum structure ensures that key decisions related to government scheme beneficiaries and development planning can be made without indefinite delays. It balances the need for community participation with the practical functioning of local governance bodies.