The State Election Commission is in the process of preparing to conduct elections to 145 Panchayat Samitis and 22 Zila Parishads due to be held in the State. Since one or two days ago information was being received in the Commission that in some of the districts delay is occurring in the publication of reserved seats and general seats. This matter was being looked into by the Commission. However, President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee met the State Election Commissioner, Punjab on 23rd of April, 2013 similarly stating that since there has been some delay in publishing the lists of seats meant for reserved and general categories, the notification scheduled to be issued on 26th April, 2013 should not be issued. It was represented that some more time be given to the political parties to prepare themselves for these polls. Along similar lines a request was also received by State Election Commissioner from the State Government wherein on account of the same reasons, it was requested that some more time be accorded. Shri S.S. Brar, IAS (Retd.) State Election Commissioner, Punjab took a meeting in the forenoon of 25.04.2013 with the Additional Deputy Commissioners (Development) –cum- Additional District Electoral Officers in the State to ascertain the ground realities. Keeping in view the discussions held in the meeting and the fact that there was a few days delay in publishing the reserve and general seats and the request of the contesting parties, it is decided that the poll may be re-scheduled by a week. Shri SS Brar, State Election Commissioner stated that the programme for the poll to the Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads will now be as under: 3rd May, 2013 (Friday) Issue of Notification by the State Election Commission; 7th May, 2013 (Tuesday) Last date for making nominations; 8th May 2013 (Wednesday) Date for the Scrutiny of nominations; 9th May 2013 (Thursday) Last date for withdrawal of candidature; 19th May, 2013 (Sunday) Date of poll, if necessary be taken; 21st May, 2013 Tuseday) Declaration of results; and 23rd May, 2013 (Thursday) Date by which the election shall be completed;