50% seats for women in Punjab ULB polls

For the first time in the electoral history of urban local bodies (ULBs) in Punjab, women candidates will be contesting on nearly 50 per cent of the total 3,188 seats.

The MCs of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and SAS Nagar have a large number of women candidates. The elections are to be held in 118 of the total 167 ULBs. Of the total seats reserved for women, 387 are for Scheduled Caste candidates and 1,129 for the general category.

Local Government Minister Brahm Mohindra said 50 per cent reservation in the polls was in line with the state government’s policy.

After receiving a communication from the state government, the State Election Commission has initiated the process of the preparation of electoral rolls for the elections to be held before February 13. The final publication of the electoral rolls has to be done by January 5.