Lucknow: The number of local bodies in Uttar Pradesh is expected to rise by about 20 per cent following fresh delimitation of wards and local bodies by the state government.

U.P. had ordered for fresh delimitation of wards in local bodies following the Allahabad High Court recommendation to hold the polls on basis of 2001 Census.

Earlier, the Government had taken up delimitation in some local bodies on the basis of 1991 Census.

The delimitation is expected to be completed by February next and the local bodies elections, which had been postponed on October 28, are expected to be held in March-April.

State Urban Development Minister Mohd Azam Khan said here today, after delimitation of wards and local bodies there would be an increase of about 20 per cent.

"There will be a rise in the number of local bodies in U.P. as several new towns would be included with the status of present ones upgraded," the minister told UNI.

Mr Khan said the local bodies' elections would be held after four months when the delimitation process was completed.

At present, the state has 11 Nagar Nigams, 195 Nagar Palika Parishad and 417 Nagar Panchayats.

After delimitation, VIP towns like Etawah, Rampur, Mainpuri, Kannauj and Hardoi are likely to be elevated as Nagar Nigams.

Meanwhile, the minister defended the Government's role in preparing the delimitation of wards on the basis of 1991 Census on which the High Court had raised objections. "We had proceeded as per the guidelines of the Delimitation Commission."

The Government was geared up to hold the local bodies polls in four phases this month and to constitute the new bodies before November 29. -- UNI

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