- Governor Shri Ramen Deka released ‘Chhattisgarh Local Body Election Year Book – 2026’
The 32nd All India State Election Commissioners Conference was inaugurated today with great fanfare in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, the capital of Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh has been honored to host this important national conference after a gap of nearly 11 years. Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka formally inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp.
On the special occasion of the inauguration ceremony, Governor Shri Ramen Deka also released the first edition of the “Chhattisgarh Local Body Election Year Book–2026.” This publication provides an important document on the process, achievements, innovations, and electoral arrangements of local body elections in Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the inaugural session, Governor Shri Ramen Deka emphasized the need to make the electoral process for local bodies and three-tier panchayats more robust, transparent, inclusive, and technology-enabled. He said that local self-government institutions play a vital role in strengthening democracy, and that continuous improvement in their electoral process and effective use of modern technology are essential.
On this occasion, State Election Commissioner Shri Ajay Singh delivered the welcome address. Welcoming the State Election Commissioners, senior officials, and election experts from across the country, he highlighted the objectives of the conference and the efforts being made to make local body elections more effective and modern.
Chief Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Government, Mr. Vikas Sheel, also addressed the conference. He shared his views on local self-governance, the importance of making the electoral process effective, and better coordination between the administration and electoral bodies. During the conference, extensive discussions are being held on contemporary issues related to local body and Panchayat elections, digital initiatives, technological innovations, and measures to make the electoral process more effective and robust.
State Election Commissioner Mr. Ajay Singh and Commission Secretary Mrs. Shikha Rajput Tiwari, along with senior officials of the Commission, were present at the event and welcomed the guests. On the first day of the conference, discussions began on various topics related to the increasing use of digital technology, innovation in election management, transparency, and making the local body election processes more smooth and effective. Mr. Vijay Dev, Chairman of the Standing Committee of State Election Commissioners, also expressed his views at the event. Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Convener of the Standing Committee, expressed his gratitude to all the guests and participants.
This two-day conference is being organized as an important platform to further strengthen local democracy in the country, incorporate modern technology in electoral systems, and share experiences and innovations from various states. Tomorrow, September 17th, a Standing Committee meeting is scheduled at the Chhattisgarh State Election Commission office in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. Following this, the Naya Raipur Development Authority will make a presentation on the construction and development of Naya Raipur, the capital city. Guests will then be taken on a tour of the major landmarks of Naya Raipur, including the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Chhattisgarh Tribal Museum, and Freedom Fighter Museum.