File No.

ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

From To
Sri. G. Sai Prasad, IAS.,
The District Collectors
Commissioner CADA
Water Resources Department,
Hanmanpet,
Vijayawada.
Lr.No: COM/CADA/ EE/ DSO/Elections to FOs/ 2024Dt: 19/10/2024 .

Sir,
Sub: Water Resources Department- Conduct of Elections to Farmers
Organizations in the State as per amended Act 4 of 2018 of APFMIS Act,
1997 – Instructions issued.
Ref: 1. Act 4 of 2018 dated 02.01.2018.
2. G.O.Ms.No.20, I & CAD (CAD IV), Department, Dt: 20-2-2003
3. GO. Ms no 18 WR (CADA) Dept dated 08.02.2019.
4. GO. Ms no 2 WR (CADA) Dept dated 09.02.2022.
5. GO. Ms no 20(conduct of elections) WR (CADA) Dept dated
08.02.2019.
6. GO. Ms no 3 (conduct of elections)WR (CADA) Dept dated
09.02.2022.
7. GO.Ms No. 44 WR (CADA) dept dated 24.09.2024.

***
This is to inform that vide reference 7th cited, the Government has decided
to conduct elections to the Farmers Organizations as per Amended Act No. 4 of
2018of Andhra Pradesh Farmers Management of Irrigation Systems Act, 1997.
The following are the highlights of the Amendments:
1. The tenure of the office bearers of Farmers Organizations i.e., Water
Users Associations, Distributory Committees and Project Committees is
fixed for 5 years.
2. The Election process is simplified to elect the members of Territorial
Constituency, President and Vice President of Water Users Association,
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

President and Vice President of Distributory Committee and Chairman

and Vice Chairman of Project Committee through consensus and where
there is no consensus, the selection can be by show of hands (or)
distribution of voting slips in the Extra ordinary General Body meeting.
3. Water users’ area shall be divided into Territorial Constituencies which
shall be a minimum of six and a maximum of 12 depending on extent of
command area and administrative feasibility.

In this regard, the District Collectors are requested to attend the

following point immediately:

Steps to be taken for delineation of Water Users Associations:

• Guidelines for delineation and formation of Water Users Association

as follows:
[GO Ms. No 20 I&CAD, department dated 20.02.02003 and subsequently
amended in
1. GO. Ms No. 18 W R (CADA) dept, dated 08.02.2019,
2. GO. Ms No 2 WR (CADA) Dept dated 09.02.2022,
3. GO. Ms No 47 WR (CADA) Dept dated 10.10.2024,
4. GO. Ms No 48 WR (CADA) Dept dated 10.10.2024 and
5. GO. Ms No 51 WR (CADA) Dept dated 10.10.202

1. In Minor irrigation systems - water user areas shall be delineated with group of tanks
or diversion channels keeping in view, the hydraulic feasibility and administrative
convenience.
[Rule 4(1) of GO Ms No. 18 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019].

2. In Medium irrigation system- Each water user area shall be delineated with the
ayacut in between 400 ha. to 1000 ha.. (or 1000 acres – 2500 acres).
[ Rule 4 of GO Ms no 20, I&CAD, dept dated 20.02.2003].

3. In Major irrigation system - Each water user area shall be delineated with the ayacut
in between 400 ha. to 1600 ha.. (or 1000 acres – 4000 acres).
[Rule 4 of GO Ms no 20, I&CAD, dept dated 20.02.2003].

4. Notification – I shall be issued by the District Collectors in District Gazette by

delineating the Water Users Associations for the new localized ayacut and in respect
of the existing WUAs also, Notification – I shall also be issued for the new district. All
the WUAs under Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Systems of the district
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

shall be covered in Notification -I.

5. The District Collectors shall submit proposals in respect of new Distributory
Committees and new Project Committees, if any formed, to the Commissioner, CADA
in Notification – III & IV respectively to issue necessary orders for new localized
ayacut.
[Rule 6 & 7 of GO Ms no 20, I&CAD, dept dated 20.02.2003].

6. If any changes are made to the territorial jurisdiction of existing DCs and PCs, the
District Collectors shall also submit proposals in respect of such Distributory
Committees and Project Committees to the Commissioner, CADA in Notification – III
& IV respectively to issue necessary orders.
[Rule 6 & 7 of GO Ms no 20, I&CAD, dept dated 20.02.2003]

7. Territorial Constituency - Every water user’s area shall be divided into Territorial
Constituencies which shall be a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve depending
on the extent of command area and administrative feasibility.
[Rule 12 (1) of GO Ms No. 18 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Guidelines for delineation of Distributory areas as follows:

[Rule 6 of GO Ms. No 20 I&CAD, dated 20.02.02003]

1. In Major irrigation system, the Government keeping in view the operation viability
and in consultation with the District Collector(s) for the purpose of constituting the
Distributory Committees delineate the command area in Notification III into such
number of distributory as they consider proper.
2. A Distributory area may contain five or more contiguous WUAs and not more than 12
WUAs.
[sub-rule 2 of Rule 6 of GO Ms no 20, I&CAD, dept dated 20.02.2003].
3. In delineating a distributory area, no WUA shall be divided or bifurcated into parts.
[sub-rule 3 of Rule 6 of GO Ms no 20, I&CAD, dept dated 20.02.2003].

• Guidelines for delineation of Project area as follows:

1. In Major irrigation system, the Government keeping in view the operation viability
and in consultation with the District Collector(s) delineate the command area in
Notification IV into one or more project areas for the purpose of constituting a Project
Committee or Committees.
2. The entire command area under a medium irrigation system shall be treated as a single
unit and notified by the Government as a Project area.
[ Rule 7 of GO Ms no 20, I&CAD, dept dated 20.02.2003].
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

Preparatory work:
[ GO Ms. No 20 I&CAD, dated 20.02.02003]

Schedule for delineation of areas, preparation of votes lists and conduct of

Elections:

Sl. Description Mandatory

Starting Ending Day
No days Rule position
date date number
required
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 i. Appointment of
Authorised
Officer from
Water
Resources
Department by
Collector and i. GO. Ms No
publication of 20 I&CAD
Notification – I dated
for Water Users 20.02.2003.
Associations
ii. Appointment of
Authorised 1 21.10.2024 21.10.2024 1st day
Officer from
Revenue to ii. GO Ms No.
prepare voters 20 WR
lists. (CADA)
iii. Appointment of dept dated
Election Officers, 08.02.2019.
Asst Election
Officers, Polling
Officers and
Polling Assistants
by the District
Election
Authority
2 Delineation of
Rule 3 & 4 of
Territorial
GO.Ms No. 20
Constituencies by 10 22.10.2024 31.10.2024 11th day
I&CAD dated
Authorized Officer
20.02.2003
from Water Resources
3 Publication of
Territorial Rule 4(7) of GO.
Constituencies in Form 0 31.10.2024 31.10.2024 11th day Ms No 20 I&CAD
– A by Authorized dated 20.02.2003
Officer
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

4 Objection period on Rule 4(8) of GO.

Form – A to Ms No 20 I&CAD
Authorized Officer dated 20.02.2003
2 th
01.11.2024 02.11.2024 13 day GO Ms No. 47,
water Resources
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
5 Disposal of objections Rule 4(9) of GO.
Ms No 20 I&CAD
dated 20.02.2003
1 03.11.2024 03.11.2024 14th day GO Ms No. 47,
water Resources
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
6 Final publication of
Territorial
Constituencies in Form 0 03.11.2024 03.11.2024 14th day
– AA by Authorized
Officer
7 Delineation of
Distributory
After final
Committees in
publication of Form
Notification - III and th
0 03.11.2024 03.11.2024 14 day – AA. [GO. Ms No
Project Committees in
20 I&CAD dated
Notification – IV
20.02.2003].
(by Government for
new Projects)
8 Appeal on orders of the Rule 5 of GO. Ms
Collector or Authorised No 20 I&CAD
officer to dated 20.02.2003.
Commissioner CADA 2 04.11.2024 05.11.2024 16thday GO Ms No 47,
water Resources
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
9 Preparation of
Landholders list in
Form – B, other water
users in Form-C and by Revenue
5 06.11.2024 10.11.2024 21st day
voters lists in Form – Department.
D
by Authorized Officer
from Revenue
10 Objections on Voters 2 11.11.2024 12.11.2024 23rd Rule 9(5) of GO.
lists in Form –E day Ms No 20 I&CAD
(optional), Form –F dated 20.02.2003
(inclusion), Form – G and subsequently
(objections against amended in GO. Ms
name) and Form – H No. 2, dated
(deletion) 9.2.2022
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

to Authorized Officer GO Ms No. 48,

from Revenue water Resources
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
11 Disposal of objections Rule 9(6) of GO.
Ms No 20 I&CAD
dated 20.02.2003
and subsequently
amended in GO. Ms
1 13.11.2024 13.11.2024 24th No. 2, dated
day 9.2.2022
GO Ms No. 48,
water Resources
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
12 Final publication of
Voters list with Form –
I with Form – D 0 13.11.2024 13.11.2024 24th day
by Authorized Officer
from Revenue
13 Appeal on orders of Rule 10 of GO. Ms
Authorized Officer to No 20 I&CAD
Sub-Collector / RDO dated 20.02.2003
2 14.11.2024 15.11.2024 26th day and subsequently
amended in GO. Ms
No. 2, dated
9.2.2022
14 Disposal of appeals Rule 10 of GO. Ms
No 20 I&CAD
dated 20.02.2003
2 16.11.2024 17.11.2024 28th day and subsequently
amended in GO. Ms
No. 2, dated
9.2.2022 .
15 Appeal to the Rule 11(3) of GO.
Commissioner CADA Ms No 20 I&CAD
on voter’s lists and dated 20.02.2003
disposal of appeals. 3 18.11.2024 st
20.11.2024 31 day GO Ms No. 47,
WRD (CADA)
Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
16 i. Election 0 20.11.2024 20.11.2024 31st Rule 2.1 of Chapter
Notification for day 2 of GO. Ms No 20
TC & WUA in WR (CADA) dated
Form - 1A, by 08.02.2019
Commissioner,
CADA, in Form
- 2A, by District
Election
Authority and in
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

Form - 3A, by
Election Officer.
ii. Election
Notification for
Distributory
Committiees in
Form – 1B, by
Commissioner,
CADA, in Form
– 2B, by District
Election
Authority and in
Form – 3B, by
Election Officer.
iii. Election
Notification for
Project
Committees in
Form – 1C, by
Commissioner,
CADA, in Form
– 2C, by District
Election
Authority and in
Form – 3C, by
Election Officer.
17 Venue for conducting Rule 1.7 (1) of
Extra General Body Chapter 1 of GO.
meetings by the District Ms No 20 WR
Election Authority / same day of (CADA) dated
Authorised Officers in the Election 20.11.2024 20.11.202431st 08.02.2019.
Form -13A Notification day GO Ms No. 50,
water Resourses
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
18 Conduct of Extra Rule 3(a) of 4.1 in
Ordinary General Body Chapter 4 of GO.
meeting for electing Ms No 20 WR
members of TCs, (CADA) dated
President and Vice 08.02.2019 and
President by Election subsequently
Officer (not below the 23.11.2024 amended in GO. Ms
rank of Tahsildar) 34 th No 3 dated
3 21.11.2024 (23rd
day 09.02.2022
EoGB day) GO Ms No. 49,
water Resources
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024 and GO
Ms No. 50
WR(CADA) dept
dated 10.10.2024.
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

19 Conduct of EoGB for Rule 4 of 5.1 in

DCs Chapter 5 of GO.
(Notice to be served to Ms No 20 WR
all the Presidents of 26.11.2024 (CADA) dated
WUAs by the RDO / 3 24.11.2024 (26th EoGB 37thday 08.02.2019.
EE/ DD day) GO Ms No. 50,
water Resources
(CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024
20 Conduct of EoGB for Rule 4 of 6.1 in
PCs Chapter 6 of GO.
(Notice to be served to Ms No 20 WR
all the Presidents of 29.11.2024 th (CADA) dated
DCs by the RDO / EE/ 3 th
27.11.2024 (29 EoGB 40 08.02.2019.
DD for Medium day GO Ms No. 50,
day)
Projects and by JD/ SE water Resources
for Major Projects (CADA) Dept, Dt
10.10.2024

Voters list in Form ‘D’ with notification in Form – I shall be prepared / revised before issue
of Notification for Elections.

Note: Wherever the ayacut of a Farmers Organization spreads over more than one
district, the District Collector of such District in whose jurisdiction the major extent of
ayacut lies or as specified by the Election Authority shall be the District Election
Authority for conducting elections to such Farmers Organizations.

[Explanation (a) of 1.3 in Chapter 1 of GO.Ms.No 20 WR (CADA) dept, dated

08.02.2019]

Election Process:

[GO.Ms. No 20 (conduct of elections), WR (CADA) dept, dated 08.02.2019 and subsequently

amended in

1. GO.Ms. No 3 (conduct of elections), WR (CADA) dept, dated 09.02.2022,

2. GO. Ms No. 49 (conduct of elections), WR (CADA) dept dated 10.10.2024 and
3. GO. Ms No. 50 (conduct of elections), WR (CADA) dept dated 10.10.2024.

• Elections will be conducted to Farmers Organizations by convening Extra Ordinary

General Body (EOGB) meetings at all levels i.e., Territorial Constituency wise, WUA
wise Distributory Committee wise and Project Committee wise with issue of
notifications by the respective Election Authorities.
[Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 2.1 in Chapter 2 of GO.Ms.No 20 WR (CADA) dept, dated
08.02.2019]

Selection of Managing Committee:

 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

The District Collector shall cause arrangements for the selection of Managing
Committee consisting of one member from each of the Territorial Constituency of a
water users area by a simplified procedure of selecting their representatives by
consensus. Where there is no consensus, it shall be by simplified procedure like show
of hands or finally distributions of slips.

[Sub-section (5) of Section 4 of the Amended Act 4 of 2018 dated 02.01.2018].

Election Machinery:

[Chapter 1, Administrative Machinery]

• Election Authority: Commissioner, CADA. [ Rule 1.1 of Chapter 1 of GO. Ms No.

20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]
• District Election Authority: District Collector of the concerned District. [ Rule 1.2 of
Chapter 1 GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]
• Election Officer as detailed below: [ Rule 1.3 of Chapter 1 GO. Ms No. 20 WR
(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]
Election to the post in Farmers Cadre of the officer to be designated as
Organization Election Officer
A Water Users Association of Major,
Medium and Minor Irrigation A Gazetted officer of the State Government or
Systems of local authority, not below the rank of
I Member of Territorial Constituency; Tahsildar.
II President; and
III Vice-President
B Distributory Committee of Major
An officer not below the rank of Revenue
Irrigation Systems
Divisional Officer or Deputy Director or
I President; and
Executive Engineer.
II Vice-President
C Project Committee of Medium
An officer not below the rank of Revenue
litigation Systems
Divisional Officer or Deputy Director or
I Chairman; and
Executive Engineer.
II Vice- Chairman
D Project Committee of Major
An officer not below the rank of Joint
Irrigation Systems
Director
I Chairman; and
or Superintending Engineer.
II Vice- Chairman

• Venues for conducting Extra Ordinary General Body meetings:

[ Rule 1.7 of Chapter 1 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019 and subsequently
amended in GO.MS. No 50 WR(CADA) dept dated 10.10.2024]
Role of different authorities:
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

Election Authority (Commissioner, CADA)

• Instructions to District Election Authority for Revision of Land Holders list and Voters
list for the Water Users Associations.

• After completion of Revision of voters’ list, Election Authority i.e., Commissioner

CADA shall publish Public Notice in Form 1A to conduct Extra-ordinary General
Body meetings for formation of WUAs to fill the posts of Territorial Constituency
members, Presidents and Vice Presidents, in Form 1B for Presidents and Vice
Presidents of Distributory Committees and in Form 1C for Chairman and Vice
Chairman for Project Committees in Andhra Pradesh Gazette.
[Rule 2.1 of Chapter 2 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Training classes to District level officials

District Election Authority (District Collectors concerned)

• Revision of T.C. wise Land Holders list and Voters list and final publication in
prescribed forms.

Wherever the ayacut of a Farmers Organization spreads over more than one
district, the District Collector of such District in whose jurisdiction the major
extent of ayacut lies or as specified by the Election Authority shall be the
District Election Authority for conducting elections to such Farmers
Organizations.

[Explanation (a) of 1.3 in Chapter 1 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated

08.02.2019]

• Dist Election Authority shall publish Notice in Form – 2A, 2B & 2Cto conduct Extra-
ordinary General Body meetings for formation of WUAs, DCs and PCs to fill the
posts of Territorial Constituency members, Presidents and Vice Presidents, for
Presidents and Vice Presidents of Distributory Committees and, for Chairman and
Vice Chairman for Project Committees, in District Gazette.

[Rule 2.1 of Chapter 2 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Dist Election Authority can appoint Joint Collector/ Superintending Engineer,

Irrigation Circle as Addl DEA and RDO/Sub-Collector as Deputy DEA.
[Rule 1.2 of Chapter 1 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Dist Election Authority shall designate Election Officers/AEOs for each WUA.
[Rule 1.3 & 1.4 of Chapter 1 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

08.02.2019]

• Dist Election Authority shall appoint Polling Officers and Polling Assistants for each
Territorial Constituency of WUA.
[Rule 1.5 of Chapter 1 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Training classes at District level / Divisional level to Election officials/ AEO / PO

/APOs

• District Election Authority shall provide all the Election material to Election staff.

• The District Election Authority or any officer authorized by him shall publish a list of
Venues for conducting Extraordinary General Body meetings for the Territorial
Constituencies of Water Users Associations in Form-13Afor all Irrigation Systems
notified.
[Rule 1.7 of Chapter 1 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019 and subsequently
amended in GO MS No 50 WR(CADA) dept dated 10.10.2024]

• If the proceedings at any venue are seriously interrupted or obstructed by any riot etc.,
the District Election Authority shall order for conduct of Extraordinary General Body
meetings at a later date within three days.
[sub rule (3) of Rule 3.3 of Chapter 3 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• The Polling Officer should verify the voters list and examine the person with reference
to his Identity such as Pattadar Pass Book or Identification Document issued by the
Village Revenue Officer concerned or any other document issued by the authority
competent to identify confirming that he is a farmer entitled to participate in that
particular Extraordinary General Body Meeting of Territorial Constituency.

[Sub Rule (1) of Rule 2.6 in chapter 2 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

Election Officer:

• Election Officer shall issue public notice in Form 3A specifying date Time and Venue
in telugu language for conducting EXTRA ORDINARY GENERAL BODY meeting
at prominent places like Irrigation offices, Revenue, Mandal Parishads and Gram
Panchayats etc.,with at least (3) days in advance.
[Sub Rule 3(a) of Rule 4.1 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019 and subsequently amended in GO. Ms No 3 WR (CADA) Dept dated
09.02.2022 and in GO.Ms No 50 WR (CADA) dept dated 10.10.2024]

• EO shall arrange “Tom-Tom” / speaker announcement of EXTRA ORDINARY

GENERAL BODY meeting in villages concerned one day before the notified date.
[Sub Rule 3(c) of Rule 4.1 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

08.02.2019 and subsequently amended in GO. Ms No 3 WR (CADA) Dept dated

09.02.2022]

• One day schedule for formation for selecting/ electing TC members, President and
Vice-President of WUA.
[Sub Rule (1) of Rule 4.2 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• The selection of Territorial Constituency member either through consensus (or) by

show of hands (or) finally by distribution of voting slips shall be completed in a single
day irrespective of the number of voters present in the General Body Meeting.

[Sub Rule (6) of Rule 4.2 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• Simultaneously conducting of elections to the President and Vice President of the

Water Users Association shall also be completed in the same day itself.
[Sub Rule (7) of Rule 4.2 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• No farmer shall have right to select his representative in more than one Territorial
Constituency of the same Water Users Association;
[Sub Rule (2) of Rule 4.3 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• No person shall have any right in the same Territorial Constituency more than once;
notwithstanding the fact that his name might have been registered in that voters list
more than once, erroneously.
[Sub Rule (3) of Rule 4.3 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• The voters shall be requested to assemble Territorial Constituency wise in the halls or
in rooms or places separately provided in the same premises with the same time
schedule. The process of selection / election of TC member shall be done
simultaneously for all TCs of the WUA.
[Sub Rule (1) of Rule 4.4 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• There shall not be any restrictions of quorum for the meeting convened for this
purpose.
[Sub Rule (5) of Rule 4.4 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• The Voters who wish to contest for any post in Farmers Organizations shall have no
dues of water tax payable to Government.
[Sub Rule (12) of Rule 4.4 in chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

08.02.2019]

Procedure for election of Territorial Constituency members through

consensus:
a. If the voters present agree to select their representative to Territorial Constituency
through consensus, the Polling Officer shall obtain the nomination form in Form-4
from the person so selected duly acknowledge the same in Form – 5 and enter the
name in the Register with the signatures of the candidate and proposer present in the
meeting under the signature of the Polling Officer.
b. Then the Election Officer shall announce the result by declaring the name of the
candidate so selected by consensus as Territorial Constituency member in Form – 9A
and issue the Certificate of selection in Form – 10.
[Sub rule (1) of Rule 4.5 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

If there is no consensus arrived in any of the Territorial Constituency, the

Polling Officer shall immediately take the following steps:

1. Invite nominations in Form – 4 from the contesting candidates for the post of member
of Territorial Constituency and enter the names in the Register.
2. Issue of receipt in Form-5 to the candidates by the PO.
3. The Polling Officer shall prepare the list of contestants in Form-6 and read out loudly,
the names and other particulars of the nominations received.
4. The Polling Officer shall scrutinise the particulars of nominations with the voters list.
5. The Polling Officer may reject any nomination on any of the following grounds, viz:
a. that the candidate is ineligible for selection as a member of Territorial Constituency of
Water Users Association under Section 14 (disqualification) of the Act;
b. that the name of the candidate or of his proposer or both are not registered in the
current voters list; or
6. The Polling Officer shall record in writing, a brief statement of his reasons for such
rejection in Form-4.

7. The scrutiny shall, as far as practicable, be completed within the time appointed in
this behalf.

8. The Polling Officer shall announce name or names of contesting candidates left in the
fray for the post of member of Territorial Constituency and record it in Form 7.
9. The Polling Officer shall announce loudly the name or names of the contestants left in
the fray for the post of Territorial Constituency, arrange the names of the contestants
in Telugu alphabetical order, assign serial numbers to them and take their signatures in
the Register. The names of the contestants with their serial numbers so finalised shall
be written on the Board for clear view of the voters present.
[ Rule 4.6 in Chapter 4 GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

08.02.2019]

Opt for selection through show of hands or through voting slips:

1. Selection through show of hands

• Then the Polling Officer shall request the voters to raise their right hands as per their
choice for the contesting candidate for serial number 1 and start counting in favour of
that candidate and the total count in his support shall be entered into the Register under
the signature of the Polling Officer, obtain candidate’s signature and simultaneously
write on the Board. Then the voters who expressed their choice in favour of contestant
at serial number 1, shall be requested to leave the hall, but the contesting candidate at
the serial number 1 shall not leave the hall.
• The second name in the list shall be announced by the Polling Officer to know the
voters choice for this contestant. The voters who are in favour of second contestant
shall raise their right hands and after being counted they shall leave the hall, but the
contesting candidate at the serial number 2 shall not leave the hall.
• This process shall be continued to know the choice of the remaining voters in respect
of remaining contestants.
• As and when the counting is done, it shall immediately be entered in Form -8 against
the name of the corresponding contestant as well as in the Register and submit to the
Election Officer.
• The signature of the contestant shall be obtained against his name in the Register and
in case the contestant concerned is not present or refuses to sign, then the Polling
Officer shall authenticate such entry with his signature.
• Then the Election Officer shall announce the result by declaring the name of the
contestant who secured the highest number of count as selected for the post of that
Territorial Constituency and record the particulars in Form – 9A.
• Once the counting of votes and declaration of successful candidates in all the
Territorial Constituencies is completed, the Election Officer shall record the list of
candidates elected in Form – 9B.
• The Election Officer shall issue the certificate of election to the successful candidate in
Form-10 immediately on the same day and obtain acknowledgement.
[ Sub rule (1) of Rule 4.7 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

2) Selection through distribution of voting slips

• The Polling Officer shall also keep ready a voting box to receive the voting slips
placed by the voters after marking the serial number of the contestant of their choice.
• The container can be of card board or plastic basket or any such suitable receptacle
having sufficient space to accommodate all the voting slips distributed to the voters.
• The Polling Officer at the beginning of the process shall show to the voters present
that the voting box is empty.
• When the selection is through distribution of voting slips, the Polling Officer shall
prepare the voting slips only to the extent of the actual number of voters present in the
Extraordinary General Body Territorial Constituency wise meeting.
• The voting slips distributed to the voters shall be of one fourth (1/4th) of standard A4
size paper (i.e., approximately of 10.5 cm x 14.8 cm size). Each voting slip distributed
to the voters shall contain Rubber stamp showing the name of the Water Users
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

Association and number of the Territorial Constituency and blank space for signature
of the Polling Officer on one side of it and the other side shall be left blank.
• The blank side of the slip is meant for marking the serial number of the contestant as
per the choice of the voter.
• The voters shall be requested to sit in rows to mark the serial number of the contestant
of their choice for selection of their representative with separate row/rows for women
voters.
• The Polling Officer shall sign on the voting slip in the space provided in the rubber
stamp and simultaneously mark the serial number of the voting slip.
• After completing this process of preparation of the voting slips to the exact number of
voters present, the Polling Officer shall shuffle the voting slips before distribution to
the voters to ensure that the voters are not given voting slips serially.
• The Polling Assistants allocated as per the rows shall distribute the voting slips to the
voters of their rows. The voters shall mark the serial number of the contesting
candidates with blue or black ballpoint pen on the blank side of the slip as per their
choice and fold it twice-once vertically and then horizontally in such a way that the
marked choice of the farmer is inside the voting slip for ensuring secrecy and place the
slip in the container kept on the table of the Polling Officer.
• After all the voters complete this process of marking and placing in the voting box, the
Polling Officer shall segregate the voting slips contestant wise with the assistance of
the Polling Assistants and count the voting slips contestant-wise, enter them in the
Register and also on the Board simultaneously.
• After counting of all voting slips in that Territorial Constituency is completed, the
Polling Officer shall make the entries in a result sheet in Form – 8 and submit to the
Election Officer.
[ Sub rule (2) of Rule 4.7 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]
• Then the Election Officer shall announce the result by declaring the name of the
contestant who secured the highest number of votes as selected for the post of that
Territorial Constituency and record the particulars in Form – 9A.
[Rule 4.8 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

Declaration of results

Once the counting of votes and declaration of successful contestants in all the Territorial
Constituencies is completed, the Election Officer shall record the list of candidates selected in
Form-9B (Territorial Constituency - wise) and exhibit it on notice board at the Venue.

[Rule 4.9 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• If the selection of the member could not succeed in any of the constituency through any of the
above three methods, the District Collector may exercise the powers under the proviso of
Sub-section (5) of Section 4 of the Act which specifies that the Water Users Association
member of that constituency identified by the District Collector or any of the officer notified
by the District Collector shall exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Managing
Committee member of that constituency under transitional arrangements
[Sub-Rule (11) of Rule 4.4 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

Issue of certificate of election

• After declaration of successful candidates in each Territorial Constituency either

uncontested or after a contest, certificate of election shall be issued by the Election
Officer to each of such elected candidate in Form-10 on the same day and the
acknowledgement obtained in the Register.
[Rule 4.10 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• After completion of the selections / elections of members of TCs, a special meeting

shall be held by EO at the appointed time with TC members to elect President and
Vice-President of Water Users Association.
[Rule 4.11in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Elections to the post of Vice-President shall be done after completion of the elections
to the post of President.
[Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 4.12 in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept
dated 08.02.2019]
• EO shall ensure that Vice-President is elected from Lower reach, if the President is
elected from Upper Reach and vice-versa.
[Rule 4.22in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Quorum shall be observed i.e., 50% of the total strength of TC members in that WUA
to elect President and Vice-President.
[Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 4.11in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept
dated 08.02.2019]
• If there is no required quorum at appointed time, EO shall wait for 30 minutes and if
there is no change in the situation, declare the posts of President and Vice-President as
causal vacancies. Record the same in Form-9C and submit to the District Election
Authority.
[Sub-Rule (4) of Rule 4.11in Chapter 4 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• If the proceedings at any venue are seriously interrupted or obstructed by any riot etc.,
the Election Officer shall stop the proceedings and announce to the persons present at
the venue and make a full report of the circumstances to the District Election
Authority.
[Rule 3.3 of Chapter 3 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• EO shall give fresh schedule of conducting Extraordinary General Body meetings duly
ensuring vide publicity as given for the original Extraordinary General Body meetings
after receiving any order passed by District Election Authority.
[Rule 3.3 of Chapter 3 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

FOR DISTRIBUTORY COMMITTEES:

The same procedure as followed in electing WUA members, shall be followed in electing
President and Vice President of Distributory Committee. [as in Chapter 5 of GO Ms
No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

Election Authority:

• Election Authority (Commissioner CADA) shall publish the Public Notification in

Form -1B in Andhra Pradesh Gazette to convene EOGB meetings to elect President
and Vice President of Distributory Committees in Major Irrigation Systems.
[Rule 5.2(1) of Chapter 5 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

District Election Authority:

• District Election Authority shall publish the Public Notification in Form -2B in
District Gazette to convene EOGBs.
[Rule 5.2(2) of Chapter 5 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

Election Officer:

• The Election Officer shall publish the Public Notification in Form – 3B

[Rule 4 of 5.2 in Chapter 5 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• One day Election Schedule for electing President and Vice President of Distributory
Committee.
[Rule 5.3 in Chapter 5 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• EO shall verify the original certificates (Form-10) issued to the Presidents of the
WUAs.
[Rule 5.4 in Chapter 5 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Quorum i.e., fifty percent of the total members (Presidents of WUA) of Distributory
Committee should be present.
[Rule 3 of 5.1 in Chapter 5 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]

• If there is no quorum, second and final meeting shall be held after clear gap of two
days from the date of first meeting.
[Sub-Rule 4 of 5.1 in Chapter 5 of GO.Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019
and subsequently amended in GO.Ms No 50 WR (CADA) dept dated 10.10.2024]

• EO shall verify no dues of water tax in respect of the contestants for the post of
President and Vice President.
[Rule 5.4 in Chapter 5 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Procedure for election of President and Vice President of Distributory Committee is in

three options i.e., consensus, show of hands and through voting slips as same as in
WUA.
Assistant Election Officer: Assistant Election Officer shall
assist the EO in entire election process

FOR PROJECT COMMITTEES:

 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

The same procedure as followed in electing WUA members, shall be followed in election
Chairman and Vice Chairman of Project Committee. [ in Chapter 6]

Election Authority:

• Election Authority (Commissioner CADA) shall publish the Public Notification in

Form -1C in Andhra Pradesh Gazette to convene EOGB meetings to elect Chairman
and Vice Chairman of Project Committees in Major and Medium Irrigation
Systems.
[Rule 6.2(1) of Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

District Election Authority:

• District Election Authority shall publish the Public Notification in Form -2C in
District Gazette to convene EOGBs.
[Rule 6.2(2) of Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

Election Officer:

• The Election Officer shall publish the Public Notification in Form – 3C

[Rule 4 of 6.2 in Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR (CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• One day Election Schedule for electing Chairman and Vice Chairman of Project
Committees.
[Rule 6.3 in Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• EO shall verify the original certificates (Form-10) issued to the Presidents of the DCs
in respect of Major and Presidents of WUAs in respect of Medium Irrigation Systems.
[Rule 6.4 in Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Quorum i.e., fifty percent of the total members (Presidents of DCS) of Project
Committee should be present.
[Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 6.1 in Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated
08.02.2019]
• If there is no quorum, second and final meeting shall be held after gap of three days
from the date of first meeting.
[ Rule 4 of 6.1 in Chapter 6 GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019 and
subsequently amended in GO.Ms No. 50 WR (CADA) dept dated 10.10.2024]

• EO shall verify no dues of water tax in respect of the contestants for the post of
President and Vice President.
[Rule 6.4 in Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

• Procedure for election of Chairman and Vice Chairman of Project Committee is in

three options i.e., consensus, show of hands and through voting slips as same as in
WUA / DC.
[Rule 6.5 in Chapter 6 of GO. Ms No. 20 WR(CADA) dept dated 08.02.2019]

Assistant Election Officer: Assistant Election Officer shall assist the EO in entire election
process.
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

Special Provisions:

Proviso of Section 4(5) of APFMIS Act, 1997, where the selection of the member could not
succeed in any of the constituency, the Water User Association member of that constituency
identified by the District Collector or any of the officer notified by the District Collector
shall exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Managing Committee member of
that Territorial constituency.

Proviso of Section 4(6) of APFMIS Act, 1997, where the election of the President or Vice-
President could not succeed, the Government may, by notification, appoint any of the
Managing Committee member of the Water Users Association or any of the officer, to
exercise the powers and perform the functions of the President or Vice-President as the case
may be.

Proviso of Section 6(2) of APFMIS Act, 1997, where the election of the President or Vice-
President could not succeed, the Government may, by notification, appoint any of the
Managing Committee member of the Distributory Committee or any of the officer to exercise
the powers and perform the functions of the President or Vice-President as the case may be.

Proviso of Section 8(2) of APFMIS Act, 1997, where the election of the Chairman or Vice-
Chairman could not succeed, the Government may, by notification, appoint any of the
Managing Committee members of the Project Committee or any of the officer, to exercise the
powers and perform the functions of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman as the case may be.

Brief Note on Major Sections of APFMIS Act, 1997

• Provisions (Sections) in APFMIS Act for conducting Elections/ Selections
to WUAs:

1. Section (3)(2), Every water users area shall be divided into Territorial Constituencies
which shall be a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve depending on the
extent of command area and administrative feasibility.
2. Section (4)(1) , There shall be a Managing Committee for each Water Users
Association comprising members of the Territorial Constituencies selected by the
water users.

Provided that two members nominated by the Gram

Panchayat of whom one shall be a woman, shall be the members of the Managing
Committees of Minor Irrigation Water Users Associations, without voting rights, in
the manner prescribed.
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

3. Section (4) (5), The District Collector shall cause arrangements for the selection of a
Managing Committee consisting of one member from each of the Territorial
Constituencies of a water users area by a simplified procedure of selecting the
representative by consensus and where there is no consensus, it shall be by
simplified procedure like show of hands, distribution of slips.

Provided that where the selection of the member could not succeed in any of the
constituency, the Water User Association member of that constituency identified by
the District Collector or any of the officer notified by the District Collector shall
exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Managing Committee member of
that Territorial constituency.

4. Section (4) (6), The District Collector shall also cause arrangements for the election
of a President and a Vice-President of the Managing Committee from among the
members of the Managing Committee of the Water Users Association.

Provided that where the election of the President or Vice-President could not
succeed, the Government may, by notification, appoint any of the Managing
Committee member of the Water Users Association or any of the officer, to
exercise the powers and perform the functions of the President or Vice-President as
the case may be.

5. Section (4)(7), If at an election held under sub-sections (5) and (6), the President or
the Vice-President or the members of the Territorial Constituencies of Water Users
Association are not elected, fresh elections shall be held.
6. Section (4)(8), The President and the Vice-President of the Managing Committee of
Water Users Association shall, if not recalled or removed or disqualified by the
provisions of the Act, be in office for a period of five years from the date of election
or his tenure as member of Territorial Constituency, whichever is earlier.

For Distributory Committees:

1. Section (5) (1), Delineate every command area comprising of five or more Water
Users Associations and declare it to be a distributory area.
2. Section (5) (3), All the Presidents of the Water Users Associations in the distributory
area shall constitute the General Body of the committee.
3. Section (6) (1), there shall be a Managing Committee for every Distributory area,
constituting of all the members of the General Body.

Provided that all Presidents of the Mandal Parishads within the distributory area
nominated by the District Collector shall be the members of the Managing Committee
of the Distributory Committee without voting rights.

4. Section (6) (2), The District Collector shall cause arrangements, for the election of the
President and Vice-President from among the members of the Managing Committee of
the Distributory Committee.
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

For Project Committees:

1. Section (7) (3), In Major Irrigation Systems, All the Presidents of the Distributory
Committees in the Project Area shall constitute the General Body of the Project
Committee.

Provided that such Project Committee shall have a minimum strength of five
members.

2. Section (7) (4), In Medium Irrigation Systems, All the Presidents of the Water Users
Associations in the Project area, shall constitute the General Body of the Project
Committee.
3. Section (8) (1), there shall be Managing Committee for every Project Committee
consisting of all the members of the General Body.

Provided that all Members of the Legislative Assembly, Member of Legislative

Council, all Members of the Parliament and Chairpersons of Zilla Parishads within
the Major Project area nominated by the Government shall be the members of the
Managing Committee of the Major Project Committee without voting rights.

Provided further that all Members of the Legislative Assembly, Member of Legislative
Council, all Members of the Parliament and Presidents of Mandal Parishads within
the Medium Project area nominated by the District Collector shall be the members
of the Managing Committee of the Medium Project Committee without voting rights.

4. Section (8)(2), The District Collector shall cause arrangements, for the election of the
Chairman or Vice-Chairman from among the members of the Managing Committee
of the Project Committee.

In this regard, all the District Collectors are requested to instruct all the
field officer to finalize the delineation / re-delineation and preparation / updating
of voters’ lists duly following the Rules to the Act scrupulously in consultation
with the Water Resources and Revenue Departments and ensure to complete the
above work within the time schedule.
The Act and all the GOs along with forms and Notifications are enclosed
for ready reference.
1. The Andhra Pradesh Farmers Management of Irrigation Systems Act,
1997.
2. Amended Act 4 of 2018 dated 02.01.2018.
3. G.O.Ms.No.20, I & CAD (CAD IV), Department, Dt: 20-2-2003
4. GO. Ms No 18 WR (CADA) Dept dated 08.02.2019.
5. GO. Ms No 20(conduct of elections) WR (CADA) Dept dated
08.02.2019.
 File No.ICD02-16028/11/2024-S SEC - CADA

6. GO. Ms No 2 WR (CADA) Dept dated 09.02.2022.

7. GO. Ms No 3 (conduct of elections) WR (CADA) Dept dated 09.02.2022
8. GO. Ms No 44 WR (CADA) Dept dated 24.09.2024.
9. GO. Ms No 47 WR (CADA) Dept dated 10.10.2024.
10.GO. Ms No 48 WR (CADA) Dept dated 10.10.2024
11.GO. Ms No 49 WR (CADA) Dept dated 10.10.2024
12.GO. Ms No 50 WR (CADA) Dept dated 10.10.2024

Yours faithfully
G Sai Prasad I A S

Commissioner,
CADA