Howrah Municipal Corporation Ward Count Rises to 66 Following Legislative Approval
The West Bengal state legislative assembly has officially passed the Howrah Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on Saturday. This significant legislative move authorizes an increase in the number of wards within the civic body from 50 to 66. The decision aligns with a prior resolution made by the state cabinet in December, which was motivated by the substantial population growth observed within the municipal limits over recent years.
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 Howrah Municipal Corporation (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 administration by a board of administrators.
Detailed Ward Reorganization Plan Unveiled
Government sources have disclosed specific plans for the ward reorganization. The strategy involves restructuring six existing wards, specifically HMC wards 45 to 50, into approximately 11 new wards. This redistribution is primarily based on updated population data to ensure equitable representation and service delivery.
Additionally, the plan includes the formation of five more wards through the division of specific areas:
- Wards 29 and 25 in South Howrah
- Wards 15 and 9 in North Howrah
A government official noted that "The plan is still in the preliminary stage and will be finalized in an all-party meeting with the District Magistrate (DM)." This indicates that further discussions and approvals are necessary before implementation.
Historical Context of Ward Adjustments
The ward count has experienced fluctuations due to past administrative changes. In 2015, the Bally Municipality was amalgamated with the HMC, which initially raised the total number of wards to 66. However, only 50 of these wards were under the direct jurisdiction of the HMC at that time.
Subsequently, in 2021, the state government passed another bill that carved out the Bally Municipality from the HMC, altering the ward structure again. The recent amendment aims to permanently retain 66 wards, as the state government has recognized that the population within the HMC area has increased manifold over the last decade. This retention is deemed essential to provide better civic amenities and effective governance to the growing populace.
Future Implications for Civic Governance
The expansion to 66 wards is expected to enhance administrative efficiency and public service delivery in Howrah. By aligning ward boundaries with current demographic realities, the HMC can better address local needs and ensure more targeted development initiatives. The move also sets the stage for eventual municipal elections, which have been pending since 2018, thereby restoring democratic processes to the civic body.
As the reorganization plan progresses through all-party consultations and final approvals, residents of Howrah can anticipate a more responsive and structured municipal administration geared towards improving urban living standards.
