Chandigarh, Aug 24 (IANS): The Haryana government on Monday announced the panchayats which have a unanimous election will get a reward of Rs.11 lakh for the development of that village.

"Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has approved the proposal to award Rs.11 lakh each to the panchayats elected unanimously during the upcoming panchayat elections in the state. This sum would be used for the development of the respective villages," said state Development and Panchayats Minister Om Prakash Dhankar.

The government will also give Rs.5 lakh to each of the zila parishads and Rs.2 lakh to each panchayat samiti elected unanimously.

Dhankar said that the decision to give the rewards was taken because uncontested elections ensure harmony and unity in the society, apart from fewer conflicts, and also lead to lower election expenses.

"In case only the sarpanch (village headman) is elected unanimously, Rs.5 lakh would be awarded, whereas Rs. 50,000 would be given away to every panch (council member) elected unanimously. The sum would be given for the development of the village," he said.