West Bengal Assembly Approves Expansion of Howrah Municipal Corporation Wards
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has officially passed the Howrah Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Saturday, marking a significant administrative overhaul for the civic body. This legislative move authorizes an increase in the number of municipal wards from the current 50 to a total of 66, a decision initially greenlit by the state cabinet in December of last year. The expansion is strategically designed to accommodate the substantial population growth observed within the jurisdiction of the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) over the past decade.
Minister Cites Administrative Hurdles for Delayed Elections
State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department Minister, Firhad Hakim, addressed the ongoing delays in conducting municipal elections for the HMC. "It is true that we repeatedly tried to conduct the municipal elections of the HMC, but it could not be done due to some administrative reasons," Hakim stated. The HMC last held elections in 2013, with its five-year term concluding in 2018. Since then, electoral processes have been stalled, leading to the current governance by a board of administrators.
Detailed Ward Reorganization Plan Unveiled
According to government sources, the ward reorganization involves a meticulous restructuring based on demographic shifts:
- Six wards (specifically HMC wards 45 to 50) will be reorganized into approximately 11 new wards to better reflect population distribution.
- An additional five wards will be created by dividing existing wards in key areas: wards 29 and 25 in South Howrah, and wards 15 and 9 in North Howrah.
A government official emphasized that this plan is still in its preliminary stages and will be finalized through an all-party meeting involving the District Magistrate (DM) to ensure broad consensus and smooth implementation.
Historical Context: Amalgamation and Separation of Bally Municipality
The ward count adjustment revisits a complex history of municipal boundaries. In 2015, the Bally Municipality was amalgamated with the HMC, temporarily raising the total ward count to 66, with 50 wards under HMC's direct purview. However, in a reversal, the state government passed a bill in 2021 to carve out Bally Municipality from the HMC once again. The current amendment aims to permanently retain the 66-ward structure, driven by the state government's assessment that the HMC area has experienced manifold population increases in recent years, necessitating enhanced civic amenities and more localized governance.
Implications for Civic Governance and Future Elections
This legislative amendment is poised to have far-reaching implications:
- Improved Civic Services: By increasing the number of wards, the HMC can provide more targeted and efficient civic amenities, addressing the needs of a growing urban population.
- Electoral Preparedness: The reorganization is a critical step toward facilitating long-overdue municipal elections, potentially ending the administration by board and restoring elected representation.
- Administrative Efficiency: The realignment aims to streamline governance by aligning ward boundaries with current demographic realities, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing public service delivery.
The passage of this bill underscores the state government's commitment to adapting municipal frameworks to evolving urban dynamics, with a focus on ensuring that Howrah's residents receive adequate and responsive civic management amid ongoing population expansion.
