Kolkata: The Howrah Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed at the state legislative assembly on Saturday to enhance the number of wards from 50 to 66, as it was earlier decided by the state cabinet last Dec, keeping in mind the increased population within the limits of the civic body.
"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," said state urban development & municipal affairs department minister Firhad Hakim.
Sources said it has been decided to reorganize six wards from HMC ward 45 to 50 into approximately 11 wards based on population. Additionally, five more wards will be formed by dividing wards 29 and 25 in South Howrah and wards 15 and 9 in North Howrah. The plan is still in preliminary stage and will be finalized in an all-party meeting with the DM," said a govt official.
Bally Municipality was amalgamated with HMC in 2015, taking the total wards to 66, out of which 50 wards were under HMC. Later, the state govt passed a bill in 2021, again curving out Bally Municipality from HMC. The state govt felt the population in the HMC area increased manifold in the last 10 years, and it was necessary to retain the 66 wards to ensure better civic amenities. HMC last went to the elections in 2013. The five-year term ended in 2018, but elections could not be conducted due to certain issues. Presently, a board of administrators is heading the civic body.