Nalanda/Patna: Bihar will use multi-post electronic voting machines (EVMs) for six elected posts in the upcoming panchayat elections, Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash said on Friday, adding that preparations are being carried out under the guidance of the State Election Commission.
Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Bihar Sharif during his visit to Nalanda, the minister also reviewed the implementation of Panchayati Raj Department schemes in the district, including Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans, public grievance camps and rural infrastructure projects.
आज नालंदा दौरे के क्रम में बिहारशरीफ जिला अतिथि गृह के सभा कक्ष में आयोजित प्रेस वार्ता को संबोधित किया।
इस दौरान पंचायती राज विभाग से जुड़े कार्यों, सरकार की विकास योजनाओं तथा जनहित के विभिन्न विषयों पर अपने विचार साझा किए और मीडिया के साथ सार्थक संवाद हुआ। pic.twitter.com/hrMqfWSt2s
— Deepak Prakash (@DeepakRLM) July 10, 2026
Multi-Post EVMs To Be Introduced
Prakash said the elections would use multi-post EVMs comprising one control unit and six separate ballot units to facilitate voting for six posts.
He said the new system is intended to simplify the voting process and improve transparency. The minister also announced that a revised reservation roster would be implemented, as the previous 10-year reservation cycle has ended.
He added that elections for the posts of Zila Parishad Chairperson, Pramukh and other indirect offices would continue under the existing system, as any move towards direct elections would require a constitutional amendment.
Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans Expanded
The minister said Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans are being developed as mini-secretariats to improve the delivery of public services at the grassroots level.
According to the department, 134 of Nalanda’s 227 panchayats have fully operational Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans, while construction is under way in another 87 panchayats.
He added that post offices are functioning in 51 of these buildings and Aadhaar centres will be established after executive assistants complete the required training and certification.
Rural Infrastructure Projects Reviewed
Prakash said the government plans to construct a Kanya Vivah Mandap in every panchayat. In Nalanda, approval has been granted for 24 such projects, while cost estimates have been prepared for 16.
The department has also identified 115 Moksha Dhams for development in the district. Under the solar street lighting programme, 32,710 lights have been installed against a target of 32,900, with the remaining installations expected to be completed this month.
Public Grievance Camps
Reviewing the Sahyog Shivir initiative, the minister said 753 applications had been received in Nalanda, of which 711 had been resolved.
He said the remaining cases would be addressed within a month. Responding to complaints regarding the misuse of Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans, he said action would be taken if specific violations were reported.
Political Remarks
Responding to a question on the Bankipur Assembly by-election, Prakash said he expected the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate to win the seat, attributing the confidence to the performance of the central and state governments.
The remarks were made during the press conference and did not form part of the departmental review.
