Kerala aims to complete ward delimitation process in 6 months; forests, rivers to define boundaries

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government plans to complete the delimitation of wards under local bodies within six months.

During the delimitation process, natural features such as forests and rivers will act as separators to define ward boundaries. Roads, footpaths, and railways will also be considered for this purpose.

Complaints often arise that the ruling party’s interests are being prioritised in ward divisions. Objections to the draft, which includes ward sketches published by the Delimitation Commission, will be reviewed by a district-level inquiry officer. In the districts, the commission chairperson will personally hear arguments from the complainants. After the commission's decision, the final notification will be issued.

Following this, the Election Commission will update the voter list and determine polling booths. Upon completion of the delimitation, 1,200 new wards will be created.

Gram Panchayats
Currently, the minimum number of wards is 13, and the maximum is 23. This will change to a range of 14 to 24. Presently, 13 wards are allocated for populations up to 10,000. For every additional 2,500 people beyond this, one more ward will be added. If the additional population is only up to 2,490, no extra ward will be created.

Block Panchayats
The minimum number of wards will change from 13 to 14, and the maximum from 23 to 24. Currently, 13 wards are allocated for populations up to 1.5 lakh. For every additional 25,000 people, one more ward will be added.

District Panchayats
The minimum number of wards will increase from 16 to 17, and the maximum from 32 to 33. At present, 16 wards are allocated for populations up to 1 lakh. For every additional 1 lakh people, one more ward will be added.

Municipalities
The minimum number of wards will change from 25 to 26, and the maximum from 52 to 53. Currently, 25 wards are allocated for populations up to 20,000. For every additional 2,500 people, one more ward will be added.

Corporations
The minimum number of wards will increase from 55 to 56, and the maximum from 100 to 101. Presently, 55 wards are allocated for populations up to 4 lakh. For every additional 10,000 people, one more ward will be added. Thiruvananthapuram is the only place with 100 wards.