The tenure of 102 Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats along with nine Municipal Corporations in Punjab is coming to an end, prompting the state government to appoint Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) as administrators to manage civic affairs temporarily.
According to official sources, SDMs of the respective areas have been assigned administrative responsibilities immediately after the completion of the elected bodies’ terms to ensure uninterrupted governance and municipal operations.
Preparations for Municipal Elections Begin
The Punjab government has initiated preparations to conduct municipal elections across the state. With the tenure of several civic bodies expiring this month, the process of appointing administrators has already begun as part of the transition toward fresh elections.
Officials indicated that the announcement of election dates is likely by the end of this month, while polling is expected to be held in May.
Corporations Completing Their Tenure
The terms of eight Municipal Corporations — Mohali, Hoshiarpur, Moga, Bathinda, Batala, Kapurthala, Abohar, and Pathankot — are set to expire this month. Meanwhile, elections will also be conducted for the newly created Barnala Municipal Corporation for the first time.
The appointment of administrators is being viewed as an interim administrative arrangement until newly elected local bodies assume office following the elections.
The upcoming civic polls are expected to play a significant role in shaping local governance and political dynamics across Punjab ahead of future electoral developments in the state.
