The Government of Karnataka on March 10, 2026, issued the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, further to amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993.
The following has been stated:
• The Act introduces provisions enabling the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Panchayat elections to modernize the voting process.
• New provisions are inserted to ensure secrecy of voting and regulate the handling, storage, and counting of votes recorded in EVMs.
• The amendments empower the State Election Commission to prescribe procedures and guidelines for the conduct of Panchayat elections using electronic voting systems.
• Penalty and procedural provisions relating to tampering, misuse, or interference with voting machines or the election process have also been strengthened to safeguard electoral integrity.
[LA Bill No. 03 of 2026]
