Himachal EC rejects state govt move to postpone ULB reservation roster citing census delay
The response from the SEC came on Thursday, hours after the state's Urban Development Department issued a letter postponing the finalisation of the ULB reservation roster due to the unavailability of updated Census data.
In its letter dated July 10, 2025, the SEC said, 'Your kind attention is invited towards clause (g) of Article 243P of the Constitution of India read with Section 2(31) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act, 1994 and Section 2(38) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, which in unambiguous terms provides that 'population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published' shall be used for the reservation purpose.'
According to the Commission, the Census 2011 data remains the relevant and legitimate basis for the reservation of seats in the upcoming ULB elections, as it is the last published Census data available.
Quoting statutory provisions, the Commission reminded the state government that 'the superintendence, direction and control for delimitation of wards, reservation and allotment of seats by rotation vests in the State Election Commission under Section 281 of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act, 1994 and Section 9 of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994.'
Asserting its authority, the SEC directed that the Urban Development Department's letter must be withdrawn forthwith. 'Urban Development Department has no legal mandate to postpone the schedule issued by a Constitutional Authority,' the letter stated.
Earlier in the day, the Himachal Pradesh Government had directed a postponement of the reservation process for ULBs due to the absence of updated demographic data from the delayed national Census.
In an order dated July 10, 2025, the Principal Secretary (Urban Development) communicated to all Deputy Commissioners -- except those of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur -- that 'due to the non-availability of latest data about the actual numbers of electors of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities resulting from the delay in the Census the implementation/finalization by issuance of the reservation roster for the ULBs elections shall be postponed until the latest Census data becomes available.'
The order, signed by Special Secretary (Urban Development) Saurabh Jassal, had instructed that no reservation notifications be issued or implemented 'until such time as the updated Census data is officially released.' Copies of the letter were marked to the Secretary, State Election Commission and Director, Urban Development.
However, the SEC has now firmly rejected this move, reasserting its sole constitutional authority over election-related processes, including delimitation and seat reservation. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Rajya Sabha receives notice for removal of Justice Varma: Dhankhar
New Delhi, July 21 (PTI) Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said he has received a notice for the removal of High Court Judge Yashwant Varma and asked the Secretary General to take necessary steps. Wads of burnt currency notes were recovered from the official residence of Justice Varma in Delhi in March this year. He was later transferred to the Allahabad High Court. Dhankhar said that he has received a notice of motion under article 217 (1B), read with article 218, and article 124, sub-article 4 of the Constitution of India, along with section 31B of the Judges Enquiry Act 1968, to constitute a committee for removal of Justice Varma. 'This (notice) has been received by me today. It has been signed by more than 50 members of the Council of States. Thus, it meets the numerical requirement of signing by members of Parliament for setting in motion the process of removal of a high court judge," Dhankhar said. On Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's confirmation that a notice has also been submitted in the Lok Sabha, Dhankhar asked the Secretary General to 'take necessary steps in this direction". PTI AO SKC CS BAL BAL Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- New Indian Express
BBMP split will lead to skewed development
BENGALURU: While the Urban Development Department has issued the draft notification to split Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into five corporations, civic experts and former corporators opine that the division was 'unnecessary' and has been done in a way that the city will see skewed development, and claim that the split didn't focus on language and culture. They note that Bengaluru East Corporation is carved out in a way that the area has the highest revenue collection, while other corporations are nowhere near. The area is predominantly populated by non-Kannadigas, who they believe will not understand local Kannada and culture. Founder member of Bengaluru Praja Vedike NS Mukunda said, 'The split has only laid the foundation for more problems. Instead of splitting the city into five corporations, the existing eight BBMP zones should have been doubled to 16, with a commissioner heading each zone. This would have made the administration easier.' Bengaluru East, being the highest revenue generator, will plan and implement multiple projects and schemes, and corporations like West will barely be able to run the show, Mukunda said. Echoing Mukunda's views was former Leader of Opposition in BBMP and BJP leader NR Ramesh, who said, 'East's revenue will be over Rs 2,000 crore, while Central's will be over Rs 250 crore, West will end up last with Rs 200 crore. North's revenue will be over Rs 1,400 crore and South's revenue around Rs 600 crore.' Ramesh predicted that if this split becomes a reality, Bengaluru will face Delhi's fate, where the national capital was trifurcated in 2012 and couldn't sustain due to multiple problems, and was again merged into one in 2022.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Campus Closet: Why Trans Students Stay Hidden And What DU Plans To Do About It
New Delhi: Despite introducing a "third gender" option in admission forms a decade ago, the University of Delhi (DU) is yet to see a single enrolment in its regular programmes from a transgender student. Officials say this reflects the stigma and hesitation many transgender individuals still face when openly declaring their identity. Most either apply under binary categories or opt for alternative study modes like the School of Open Learning. To address this gap and build a more inclusive campus, DU has set up a Transgender Resource and Training Cell (TRTC) under the Department of Adult Continuing Education and Extension. The cell will assist students identifying as transgender with admissions, offer counselling, promote infrastructure reforms such as gender-neutral toilets, and coordinate sensitisation campaigns across colleges to reduce dropouts and increase representation. Professor Ashutosh Kumar, head of the department of Continuing Education, under which the cell will operate, said TRTC will facilitate implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and Rules, 2020. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "We will support prospective and current students through admission-related assistance, name-change documentation, family or institutional challenges, and sensitisation workshops. The goal is to ensure equitable space for transgender persons," he said. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Kumar added that the cell also aims to sign MoUs with institutions like the National Institute of Social Defence, identify nodal officers in colleges, and connect with transgender communities through NGOs and HIV/AIDS organisations to create awareness about higher education opportunities at DU. Although the "third gender" option has been available on admission forms since 2015, uptake remains negligible. "We have received applications from around 100 such students so far, but either they did not want to officially identify themselves as transgender fearing discrimination, or they opted to study through the School of Open Learning," Kumar said. In 2018, 10-15 transgender applicants made inquiries at the admission centre but none enrolled. Last year, one student joined a postgraduate programme but did not disclose their identity publicly. "Several students approach us privately but choose not to reveal their identity due to fear of stigma," he added. A policy document prepared by the Transgender Resource Centre (TRC) highlights the urgency of institutional inclusion. According to the 2011 Census, India is home to 4.88 lakh transgender persons, including over 54,000 children under six. Delhi's transgender population stands at 4,213, with a literacy rate of just under 63%. Despite constitutional protections, TRC notes that transgender individuals face persistent discrimination, school dropouts, and barriers to employment. A 2017 Unesco study revealed that 60% of transgender students experienced physical bullying, over 70% suffered from anxiety and depression, and more than half skipped classes. A third dropped out entirely, and only 18% of incidents were reported to school authorities—of which action was taken in just over half the cases. The document further links low education levels with high-risk livelihoods, such as sex work, which increases exposure to HIV and other STDs. To combat these entrenched issues, the university's new transgender inclusion policy proposes a wide set of reforms spanning academic, administrative, infrastructural, and cultural spheres. Colleges will be encouraged to proactively identify transgender students, allowing them to submit affidavits and govt-authorised certificates to confirm identity. A confidential contact person in each institution will manage records and provide support. "Institutions must create a congenial academic ambience," the policy notes. All official forms and certificates will include the "transgender" option, though students may still identify as male or female if they prefer. Dedicated admission helpdesks, reserved seats, scholarships, hostel fee waivers, and even free admission are being proposed to improve access. Counsellors across colleges will receive training to handle the specific mental health needs of transgender and gender non-conforming students, while also promoting broader acceptance among peers, staff, and families. Anti-ragging committees will be mandated to protect transgender students specifically, and a dedicated grievance cell will deal with complaints of bullying or abuse. Participation in events like Transgender Remembrance Day and National Transgender Day will be encouraged across campuses. Infrastructure changes include the establishment of gender-neutral restrooms, access to tailored healthcare, and dedicated hostel facilities. A central Transgender Resource Centre will also be created to coordinate Equal Opportunity Cells and counselling centres across DU. Academically, DU plans to integrate transgender issues into undergraduate and postgraduate syllabi—covering biological, sociological, psychological, political, and constitutional aspects. It will also promote courses on gender and sexuality and encourage research projects that centre transgender experiences. TRC will spearhead sensitisation drives for teaching and non-teaching staff, and guide institutions on best practices. The policy has been drafted under the guidance of professor Rajesh, coordinator of TRC, with contributions from transgender rights activist Amrita Sarkar. "Creating an enabling and respectful space for transgender persons is not just about access—it's about dignity, rights, and the ability to thrive," said Professor Kumar. "Through this cell and policy, we want to ensure DU becomes a truly inclusive space.
