Thiruvananthapuram:  The Delimitation Commission has released a draft notification concerning the delimitation of wards in grama panchayats, municipalities, and corporations across Kerala. This step was approved during a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, where the commission gave its consent for publishing the proposals submitted by the District Collectors.

The draft notification includes the ward boundaries, population details, and maps. It will be available for public viewing on the official website of the commission at https://delimitation.lsgkerala.gov.in, and can also be accessed at local bodies and district collectorates.

For the first time, the boundaries of the wards have been redrawn using Qfield, an open-source software app. This marks a significant move towards leveraging digital technology in the delimitation process.

Objections and submissions
The commission has opened a window for objections and complaints regarding the proposed ward boundaries, accepting submissions until December 3. Complaints can be submitted directly to the Secretary of the Delimitation Commission or to the concerned District Collector, either in person or via registered post. The commission’s address is:
State Delimitation Commission,
Fourth Floor, Corporation Building,
Vikas Bhavan P.O., Thiruvananthapuram - 695033.
Phone: 0471-2335030.

Increase in ward numbers
Earlier, the State government had issued a notification revising the number of wards in Kerala’s panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. As per this revision, the number of wards in grama panchayats will rise by 1,375, in municipalities by 128, and in corporations by seven.

Phased approach to delimitation
The delimitation process will continue in phases, with block panchayat wards being addressed in the second phase and district panchayat wards in the third phase.

Structure of the Delimitation Commission
The Delimitation Commission, established under Section 10(1) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, is tasked with dividing every panchayat and municipality in Kerala into constituencies or wards. The commission, led by the State Election Commissioner, comprises senior officials from various departments. It was constituted under G.O.(P) No.36/2024/LSGD, dated June 14, 2024.