Elections / Odisha Issues Revised Schedule for Ward Delimitation, Seat Reservation Ahead of ULB Polls

Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: The Housing and Urban Development Department has issued a revised timeline for ward delimitation and seat reservation processes ahead of the forthcoming general elections to Municipalities, Notified Area Councils (NACs), and Municipal Corporations across Odisha, officials said on Friday.

All District Collectors, except Boudh, have been directed to adhere to the updated schedule, which partially modifies the earlier notification.

As per the revised plan, draft notifications on ward delimitation and seat reservation will be published on September 24, 2026, inviting objections and suggestions from the public until October 3, 2026. Preliminary notifications will follow on October 7, 2026, with appeals permitted between October 7 and October 21, 2026. District Collectors must forward appeals with recommendations to the Director of Municipal Administration by October 22, 2026. The State Government, acting as appellate authority, will hear appeals from October 26 to October 28, 2026, before final notifications are issued on October 31, 2026.

A separate timeline has been prescribed for the Municipal Corporations of Bhubaneswar, Kataka, Brahmapur, and Raurkela. These bodies must submit ward delimitation and seat reservation details, along with sketch maps and resolutions, by September 24, 2026. Draft notifications will be published on October 5, 2026, with objections accepted until October 14, 2026.
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The Department has instructed Municipal Commissioners and District Collectors to ensure smooth and systematic completion of the process within the stipulated deadlines. Officials emphasised that the revised schedule is aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and timely conduct of the urban local body elections.

The State Election Commission will receive requisite copies of the final notifications to facilitate preparations for the polls. With the revised schedule in place, Odisha’s urban governance bodies are expected to move closer to conducting elections across municipalities and corporations in a structured manner.