The Maharashtra Assembly on Monday passed the amended Maharashtra Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayats, and Industrial Townships Act, 1965.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tabled the Bill to amend the Act, and said that heads of Nagar Parishads and Panchayats can be elected directly by voters. The amendment was introduced to change the existing practice of elected representatives choosing the heads of Nagar Parishads or municipal councils.
Mr. Shinde said the amendments mentioned all the duties and responsibilities of these heads. He added that the amendments were carried out because people wanted to elect their own heads of Nagar Parishads and Panchayats, and “we are just listening to them”.