Govt to have last say in quota for women in MCD

It is the Delhi government which is going to have a final say in deciding how many seats for women will be reserved for the forthcoming municipal elections in April. Sources said rather than the chief electoral office, the government is going to decide on the criteria. HT reports.

It is the Delhi government which is going to have a final say in deciding how many seats for women will be reserved for the forthcoming municipal elections in April. Sources said rather than the chief electoral office, the government is going to decide on the criteria.


“Generally, the state election commission decides the criteria under which seats are to be reserved, but this time, it is the Cabinet which is going to take the decision. A meeting will be held to decide on the future course of action,” said a senior government official.

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When the MCD trifurcation was decided, chief minister Sheila Dikshit had reserved 50% seats for women in the civic agency. Hence, out of the 272 seats, 134 will be reserved for women. The entire process has to be completed before January 26. “Many councillors carry out development activity in their areas ahead of the elections. But if their seats are reserved, they naturally will not be interested in carrying out any work in their wards," said a senior official.