"urban-local-bodies"

Polling began across 100 urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, covering 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. More than 36,000 police personnel have been deployed, with vote counting scheduled for November 3

When bankability takes precedence over vulnerability, smaller, resource-constrained cities risk being left behind. Heat-resilience funding must be guided by need, not a municipality’s ability to borrow

Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Hyderabad opposed the CURE Draft Bill-2026, citing loss of local democracy, automatic tax hikes, and lack of ward committees. They demanded redrafting with full consultation, mandatory ward committees, transparency in civic actions, and an extended deadline for submissions.

The hung verdict in 38 Urban Local Bodies across Telangana has triggered intense political manoeuvring, with the Congress relying on ex-officio members and independents to secure control of key municipalities.

With hung verdicts in 38 Urban Local Bodies, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed Congress leaders to step up efforts to secure control, particularly by engaging Independent candidates.

Despite being in power, the Congress failed to convert municipal polls into a clean sweep, as the BRS staged a strong comeback from the opposition, retaining its urban base and signalling growing public discontent midway through the government’s term

Despite being in power and mounting an aggressive campaign, the Congress failed to replicate the BRS’s 2020 municipal sweep, with the opposition putting up a strong fight and preventing a landslide, reflecting growing public unease with the ruling party

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Gram Panchayats in Telangana are facing mounting challenges in tackling stray dog and monkey menace due to shortage of funds, staff and infrastructure. Financial constraints, lack of equipment, and dependence on welfare organisations have left many local bodies unable to cope with the growing problem.

The BRS has raised concerns over Hyderabad potentially being steered towards Union Territory status following the Congress government’s decision to merge 27 urban local bodies into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

GHMC has made cashless payment mandatory for property tax, trade licence fee and vacant land tax across its jurisdiction. The move follows the merger of 27 Urban Local Bodies and aims to ensure uniform tax collection and promote digital transactions.

GHMC commissioner RV Karnan has transferred and posted 60 Deputy Executive Engineers to the Solid Waste Management wing following the merger of 27 urban local bodies into GHMC limits. The corporation has been reorganised into 12 zones and 60 circles to strengthen waste management operations.

Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) of Greater Hyderabad have urged the GHMC to improve civic amenities in newly added areas following the expansion of 27 urban local bodies. Their demands include better roads, uninterrupted water supply, sanitation, streetlight maintenance, and stray dog control.

The expansion of GHMC boundaries has significantly increased the House Rent Allowance (HRA) and City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) for government employees, particularly teachers. This move ensures substantial salary hikes for staff working within the newly defined limits.

The Telangana government finalized the boundaries of 300 GHMC wards on December 25, completing the merger of 27 Urban Local Bodies. Zonal Commissioners assumed charge of 12 zones, 60 circles, and 300 wards to oversee administration and GHMC orders

The GHMC has announced a major restructuring following the merger of 27 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The civic body has increased zonal circles from six to twelve, covering 300 wards. Each zonal circle will consist of five circles, making a total of 60 circles.

To improve urban service delivery, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) proposes doubling its wards from 150 to 300. This reform addresses Hyderabad’s expansion to nearly 2,000 sq km. By creating manageable units, the city aims to enhance political representation, integrate GIS-based data analytics, and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals for inclusive growth. This approach ensures data-driven governance puts citizens "centre stage".

The State government has increased the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation wards from 150 to 300 through GOMs 266. The move follows the merger of 27 Urban Local Bodies, based on a study by the Centre for Good Governance

The GHMC Council has unanimously approved the MA&UD’s preamble proposing the merger of 27 urban local bodies located within or adjoining the Outer Ring Road. GHMC Commissioner R V Karnan confirmed the approval through an official release.

In a significant decision, the Congress government has merged 27 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) within the Outer Ring Road limits into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), increasing its wards from 150 to 177.

The Karnataka High Court issued a notice to the Siddaramaiah government over delays in finalising reservation notifications for 187 municipalities. The SEC has sought urgent directions as similar delays persist for Gram Panchayat reservations expiring in January 2026