Panchayati Raj and Local Government

Himachal was an early and enthusiastic adopter of panchayati raj, and the state's own Act predates the 73rd Amendment.

• Three tiers under the HP Panchayati Raj Act, 1994: Gram Panchayat → Panchayat Samiti (block) → Zila Parishad (district).
• About 3,615 gram panchayats, 78 development blocks and 12 zila parishads (figures change with delimitation — check the latest Economic Survey).
• 50% reservation for women in panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies — Himachal was among the first states to raise it from one-third.
• Gram Sabha meetings are mandatory; HP has used them for social audit of MGNREGA.
• Urban bodies: Municipal Corporations (Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan, Mandi, Palampur and others — the number has grown; verify current count), Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats.
• Shimla Municipal Corporation is among the oldest municipal bodies in India, dating to 1851.