Bhubaneswar: The process of delimitation of wards of urban local bodies (ULBs) for elections has been delayed due to the amendment of two municipal acts.
In October last year, the State Election Commission (SEC) had asked the state government to complete the process for delimitation of wards by January 31. But the government expressed its unwillingness to complete the process before time due to the amendment in norms, said SEC Secretary RN Sahu said here Thursday.
The government has recently amended the Orissa Municipal Act, 1950 and the Orissa Municipal Corporation Act, 2003 to reserve seats and offices for different categories in ULBs in every general election. Earlier, the seats were reserved for every two terms.
After getting information about wards from the government, the SEC will prepare electoral rolls and identify polling stations to facilitate smooth elections, sources said.
While the term of 66 ULBs including Berhampur Municipal Corporation will expire September 30, 2018, the period of 20 ULBs will expire December 4, 2018. Another two ULBs will complete their term December 9, 2018.
The term of council formed for Atabira, Hindol and Nuapada will be over April 2 this year while the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation will complete its term 17 January, 2019. The term of Cuttack Municipal Corporation and Baripada Municipality will expire 13 February, 2019 whereas the period of Bolangir and Titilagarh Municipality is scheduled to end 11 July, 2019.
Meanwhile Congress and BJP alleged that the government is delaying the election for its benefit.
PNN