In a first, Karnal to elect woman mayor directly

CHANDIGARH: Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s Assembly segment Karnal will have the first directly-elected woman mayor following elections to the five municipal corporations (MCs) — Hisar, Rohtak, Yamunanagar, Panipat and Karnal — and two municipal committees of Jakhal Mandi and Pundri on December 16.

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 22

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s Assembly segment Karnal will have the first directly-elected woman mayor following elections to the five municipal corporations (MCs) — Hisar, Rohtak, Yamunanagar, Panipat and Karnal — and two municipal committees of Jakhal Mandi and Pundri on December 16. The schedule for the elections was declared by the State Election Commission on Thursday.

Besides Karnal, adjoining Panipat will have first directly-elected backward class woman mayor while the post of the mayor is unreserved in Hisar, Rohtak and Yamunanagar. In the Jakhal Mandi and Pundri, the post of the mayor is also reserved for women candidates. State Election Commissioner Dalip Singh asserted that the model code of conduct for the respective jurisdiction of the municipalities had come in force and the state government would have to seek permission from the commission for the announcement of any new schemes.

As many as 14,01,157 voters, including 7,46,126 males, 6,55,021 females and 10 transgenders, would exercise their franchise in the elections to seven municipal bodies, Besides, 1,292 polling booths would be set up for 136 wards. Out of these, 14 wards are reserved for Scheduled Caste, 12 reserved for SC women, 14 for Backward Class and 37 wards are reserved for women.

While elaborate arrangements for the conduct of elections in free, fair, and peaceful manner and to maintain law and order had been made, Dalip Singh ruled out the possibility of deployment of paramilitary forces.

Meanwhile, the expenditure limit for contesting the election of mayor has been fixed up to Rs 20 lakh, while it is Rs 5 lakh for councillor. The commission has disqualified 531 defaulting candidates in five MCs, who did not furnish the details of the expenditure in the 2013 municipal elections.

HIGHLIGHTS

First time direct election to the post of mayor.
As many as 14,01,157 voters; 7,46,126 males, 6,55,021 females & 10 transgenders.
Polls to have 1,292 polling booths for 136 wards.
Expenditure limit Rs 20 lakh for mayor; Rs 5 lakh for councillor.
30 days window for filing expenditure details.
No paramilitary forces; state police to maintain law & order.
Polling time between 7.30 am to 4.30 pm on December 16.
Date for filing nominations from December 1 to 6.