A zila panchayat member elected from the Ason constituency in Bageshwar district has been disqualified following an inquiry that revealed he had three living biological children, rendering him ineligible under the Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
Disqualification Order Issued
Chief Development Officer and Prescribed Authority R.C. Tiwari issued the disqualification order on Saturday against Kundan Ram, who was elected from Territorial Constituency-04 (Ason). The inquiry uncovered documentary evidence confirming that Kundan has three living biological children. A registered adoption deed executed on September 6, 2025, also referenced the existence of these three children. During the inquiry, Kundan submitted a written statement acknowledging the birth of the third child.
Legal Basis for Disqualification
Section 90 (1)(d) of the Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, disqualifies any person having more than two living biological children from contesting or continuing as a zila panchayat member. Tiwari explained that the provision aims to enforce the state's two-child norm for elected representatives in local bodies.
Background of the Case
The action followed complaints alleging that Kundan had concealed information about his third child during the election process. Acting on directives from the Director of Panchayati Raj, the district administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee. The panel examined records from various departments, including the Women and Child Development Department and the Health Department, as well as adoption-related documents.
Opportunity for Defence
After reviewing the inquiry report and supporting records, the prescribed authority declared Kundan ineligible to continue in office. Tiwari stated that the elected representative was given adequate opportunity to present his defence before the final decision was taken. The disqualification underscores the strict enforcement of eligibility criteria under the amended Panchayati Raj laws in Uttarakhand.
