NEWS

• The Karnataka Government has formed a Delimitation Committee to redraw ward boundaries for five new city corporations.
• This committee will make sure each ward (a small unit of a city for elections and administration) has a fair population distribution.

HIGHLIGHTS

Who is in the Committee?

• Headed by M. Maheshwar Rao, Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
• Other members:
  • Jagadeesha G., Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban District
  • Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner (Administration, Revenue & IT)
  • The senior-most officer from the five new corporations.

Rules for Ward Formation

• Population Balance: Each ward = about 20,000 people (±25%).
• Boundaries:
  • No ward can cross two corporations or Assembly constituencies.
  • Natural boundaries like roads and drains should be used.
  • Wards should be contiguous (connected) and consider community interests.
• Special Areas: In hilly/forest zones, factors like geography and commuting convenience will be considered.

Population Growth

• Bengaluru’s population: 85 lakh (2011) → 144 lakh (2023).
• Growth by areas (2011 → 2023):
  • East: 9L → 13L
  • West: 26L → 45L
  • Central: 15L → 25L
  • North: 18L → 31L
  • South: 17L → 30L

Why It Matters?

• Ensures fair representation in local governance.
• Helps manage growing population density.
• Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar said each corporation will produce at least 100 new leaders, ensuring equal representation for men, women, and backward classes.