Bill introduced to defer MC poll in new urban local bodies

Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh today tabled the Himachal Pradesh Municipal (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Vidhan Sabha to facilitate deferment of the elections in the newly constituted urban local

bodies for a period up to two years.

He informed that Section 14 of the Act had been amended to provide that the first elections to the newly constituted municipalities may be held within two years of its formation. “Since the Assembly was not in session and the Act had to be amended urgently, the Himachal Pradesh Municipal (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was promulgated on August 1,” he said.

The minister said several new municipalities have been formed in Himachal in the recent past to ensure urban expansion and improve municipal services in the urban areas. “Due to this, it is not feasible to conduct immediate elections because these newly formed urban bodies lack essential infrastructure like adequate personnel, office space and financial resources, all of which are important to effectively conduct elections and manage municipal affairs,” he said.

With the passing of this Bill, the elections to the newly constituted urban bodies of Una, Hamirpur and Baddi can be held within two years’ time.

Prior to the promulgation of the Ordinace, the elections to any newly constituted municipal corporation had to be held within six months of its formation.