Government of Andhra Pradesh is taking effective steps to conduct the Panchayat Raj Elections within the time stipulated i.e., in the month of July, 2001 as per the direction of Apex Court of India.

    Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act came into effect on 30^th May, 1994. Elections to Panchayats at intermediate level and district level were held on 6^th March, 1995 and 10^th March, 1995 respectively. Elections to Panchayat at intermediate level and district level became due in March/May, 2000. The five year term of Gram Panchayats expired in October, 2000.

    The elections were postponed by the State Government due to drought in the State and the pendency of the 87^th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 1999. The High Court of Andhra Pradesh directed the State Government to complete the process of identification of seats for SCs, STs, OBCs and Women and to complete election process for Panchayat elections by 30^th June, 2000. The State Panchayat Raj Act provides for constitution of Gram Sabha of every village and for holding Gram Sabha Meeting twice in a year.