Maharashtra Cabinet to increase elected reps in local bodies by 17%

In view of the exploding population in the state as well as the need to expedite urban development plans, the Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday, October 27, decided to increase the number of elected members in municipal corporations and city councils, except in Mumbai.

The state cabinet decided to increase the minimum strength by 17 per cent considering the rate at which the population has increased in urban areas since 2011.

At present the number of members in the corporation is minimum 65 members and maximum 175 members. Meanwhile, the number of members in the Municipal Council is a minimum of 17 members and a maximum of 65 members.

There is a need to increase the number of members to give due justice to all sectors to accelerate structural changes along with civic issues and development plans in metros and small urban areas.

According to reports, the number is expected to be between 174 and 185 for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The move comes within a month of the state election commission directing the PMC to undertake delimitation of the electoral panel.

The number of members in municipal corporations and municipal councils is determined on the basis of 2011 census data. The 2021 census results are incomplete due to the outbreak of COVID-19 restrictions across the state.

The minimum number of members elected for a corporation having a population between 3 to 6 lakhs shall not exceed 76 and the maximum number shall not exceed 96.

For a population of more than 6 lakhs and up to 12 lakhs, the minimum number of elected members shall not exceed 96 and the maximum number shall not exceed 126.

However, for a population for 12 to 14 lakhs, the minimum number of elected members should not exceed 126 and the maximum number should not exceed 156.

For a population of more than 24 lakhs and up to 30 lakhs, the minimum number of elected members should not exceed 156 and the maximum number should not exceed 168.

The minimum number of elected members should not exceed 168 and the maximum number should not exceed 185 for a population of more than 30 lakhs.

In Class A city councils, the minimum number of elected council members should not exceed 40 and the maximum number should not exceed 75.

In Class B city councils, the minimum number of elected council members should not exceed 25 and the maximum number should not exceed 37.

In Class C city councils, the minimum number of elected council members should not exceed 20 and the maximum number should not exceed 25.