Gujarat Issues Delimitation Orders For Nine New Municipal Corporations
Gujarat government has issued delimitation orders for its nine recently formed municipal corporations, marking a significant step in urban governance reform. Each new civic body will now comprise 52 seats distributed across 13 wards, reflecting a structured approach to urban administration. A key feature of these orders includes equitable representation, with 50 percent of all seats (26) reserved for women candidates and 27 percent (14) allocated for candidates from Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Villages previously on the outskirts, which were earlier distinct municipalities, have been integrated into the expanded city limits, signifying a comprehensive strategy for urban growth.
The nine municipal corporations for which delimitation orders have been issued are Navsari, Porbandar, Surendranagar, Vapi, Mehsana, Anand, Gandhidham, Morbi, and Nadiad. Their formation, approved by the state cabinet on January 1 this year, increases Gujarat’s total number of municipal corporations to 17. District collectors have been appointed as administrators for these new civic bodies until elections can be held. Officials indicate that a similar delimitation exercise is likely for six existing major municipal corporations—Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Bhavnagar—which are scheduled for polls within the next year, to account for recent urban sprawl and potential ward reassignments.
The state urban development department has undertaken an elaborate exercise of ward formation, meticulously integrating villages located on the outskirts of these newly formed municipal corporations into the expanded city limits through this delimitation process. This measure aims to streamline urban governance, improve the provision of essential civic amenities, and ensure more integrated planning for the expanded urban populations. The process ensures that democratic representation aligns with the evolving demographic and geographical realities of Gujarat’s rapidly growing cities, promoting more equitable development and resource allocation.
These delimitation orders represent a crucial stride towards strengthening urban local governance and ensuring democratic representation in Gujarat’s expanding cities. The inclusion of surrounding areas and equitable reservation policies aim to foster inclusive development and efficient service delivery. This proactive approach by the state government is vital for managing rapid urbanization and promoting sustainable growth across its key urban hubs.
