51 percent Sarpanch posts reserved for women in Vizianagaram dist

Vizianagaram: As many as 491 out of 960 Sarpanch posts have been reserved for women in the forthcoming elections to local bodies. It means that 51 per cent of Sarpanch posts are allotted to women.

With the election notification being issued, the political parties are busy selecting the candidates.

Apart from it, the mayor post of Vizianagaram Municipal Corporation has also been reserved for woman belonging to the Backward Classes.

Political leaders heaved a sigh of relief with the government directing the administration to ensure that liquor and money are not distributed.

The candidate in the last local body elections had allegedly spent huge money to grab the post. Liquor and saris too were also allegedly distributed last time. In some places, as much as Rs 2,000 was allegedly distributed per vote during the last local body elections.

K Ramakrishna, resident of Logisa Panchayat under Gajapathinagaram mandal, said, the Grama Panchayati is reserved for women from Backward community. "I am trying to get party ticket for wife to contest," he said.