The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Municipal polls only after panel report: Minister

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Monday, Dec 06, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Municipal polls only after panel report: Minister

By Our Staff Reporter

GUNTUR, DEC. 5. The Municipal elections in the State will be conducted only after a decision was taken on the mode of election of Mayors and Chairpersons.

The decision would be based on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed for the purpose, the Municipal Administration Minister, Koneru Ranga Rao, said.

The sub-committee was studying the pros and cons of a direct election for Mayors and Chairpersons or indirect election through the elected members of the councils, he told reporters here on Sunday. Only after the mode of election was decided would other details be worked out, including the dates, he said.

Asked about the process of delimitation of wards in municipal corporations and the municipalities, he said it would be completed in one month and the number of wards would be finalised in time for the local body elections.

Wards reduced

Under the jurisdiction of the Regional Joint Director of Municipal Administration here the number of wards had reduced in 15 municipalities in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts. As per the directive of the Government 21 wards for every 40,000 population was taken as the criteria for creation of a ward and one additional ward for every 10,000 population.

When it was brought to his notice that this process had reduced the number of wards, he said new directions were being given to complete the work.

Upgrading panchayats

Some major panchayats in the State would be given the status of municipalities provided they sent proposals ratified by the panchayat members.

In case of Guntur, Vinukonda, Thadepalli and Piduguralla had requested for the status, he said. These panchayats would be required to send a formal request, he observed.

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