Odisha: Tenure of 66 civic bodies ends today, no decision yet on polls

Bhubaneswar: Even as the tenure of 65 ULBs and one municipal corporation in Odisha ends today, the State government is yet to take decision on fresh polls for these civic bodies.

In this regard, the State Election Commission (SEC) has written to the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) department for general election to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

The tenure 65 ULBs and Berhampur Municipal Corporation will expire on Sept 29 on completion of five years. As per constitutional mandate, the elected representatives of these bodies cannot function beyond their five years tenure, wrote the State Election Commission secretary UN Das to the H&UD Commissioner-cum-Secretary on Sept 26.

As the delimitation of wards and reservation of seats of the ULBs, the foremost requirement before the Commission takes up preparation of electoral roll and conduct of election have not yet been received by the Commission from the government and district magistrates on the grounds of legal impediment, the Commission is not in position to complete the election or initiate further election process before Sept 29.

The SEC wrote to the government to take necessary steps for management of affairs of 66 civic bodies (65 ULBs and Berhampur Municipal Corporation) after expiry of their term.