Oath-Taking Ceremony for Newly Elected Sarpanches to Be Held Today in Telangana

The oath-taking ceremony for newly elected Sarpanches, Deputy Sarpanches, and Ward Members across Telangana will be held on Monday. Panchayat secretaries have completed arrangements as per official guidelines. Panchayat elections were conducted in three phases on the 11th, 14th, and 17th of this month.

A total of 12,702 Sarpanches have been newly elected across the state, including 1,205 elected unanimously and 11,497 through polling. Among Ward Members, 25,848 were elected unanimously, while elections were held for 85,955 wards. In total, 1,11,803 candidates were elected as Ward Members. Following the ward elections conducted in three phases, 12,702 Deputy Sarpanches were also elected.

The state government issued orders to conduct the oath-taking ceremony on the 22nd of this month. Accordingly, officials have made the necessary preparations. The oath will be administered following the format prescribed by the Telangana State Election Commission. After the ceremony, special officers will formally hand over responsibilities to the newly elected Sarpanches.

Cost Concerns for the Ceremony

Officials estimate that the oath-taking ceremony may cost around ₹20,000 in major Gram Panchayats and ₹10,000 in smaller Panchayats. Expenses typically include banners, tents, microphone systems, chairs, shawls, new registers, and refreshments such as sweets, snacks, and tea for attendees.

In several villages, newly elected Sarpanches have reportedly instructed Panchayat secretaries to make these arrangements. However, many Gram Panchayats are facing financial constraints. During the recent polling process, expenses for food and other necessities for staff were borne by secretaries and MPDOs in some areas, and reimbursement from the government is still pending.

Secretaries have expressed concern that salaries have not been paid for the past three months and several bills remain pending. Amid this situation, in some villages, newly elected Sarpanches have voluntarily stepped forward to bear the oath-taking expenses.