Mukhiya-patis in Bihar panchayats in trouble: to be booked for trespass and interference!   Patna: according to the latest reports in the Patna press, the Bihar government is now determined to eliminate the unofficial post of Mukhiya-patis from the state. It is well-known that 50% of the 2.61 lakh panchayat posts are held by women due to reservation. These include 4221 mukhiya seats held by women. It is also well-known that husbands, brothers and brother in laws of these women often effectively play the role of the office-holder, pushing women into the background. The Panchayati Raj... 

Dates for Panchayat polls in Bihar announced Ballot boxes to be used instead of EVMs... Dates for Panchayat elections in Bihar have now been announced. Starting from April 20th election will be held in 10 phases. Stretching over a month, the Final phase will see voting on 18th May with 23 blocks going for the polls. The notification for the elections will be issued on 21st February. The point to be noted here is Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will not be used in these elections. As announced earlier, elections will not be organised on party lines. The details for different phases and the number...