Jaipur, June 26 (IANS) In a major push for urban governance and infrastructure development, the Rajasthan government has approved the creation of 76 new municipalities across the state, increasing the total number of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from 309 to 385. Simultaneously, the government has sanctioned 684 new posts in the Department of Local Self-Government to strengthen the administrative framework of the newly formed civic bodies.

The move is being seen as one of the biggest urban governance reforms undertaken by the Rajasthan government. It is also the first major creation of posts in the Local Self-Government Department in nearly 15 years and the first recruitment approval in the department in the last three years.

The government believes the decision will improve civic administration, accelerate infrastructure development and ensure faster delivery of basic urban services in rapidly expanding towns. Jaipur and Jhunjhunu emerged as the biggest beneficiaries of the state’s urban expansion, with seven new municipalities each.

In Jaipur district, municipal status has been granted to Vatika, Jamwaramgarh, Phagi, Dudu, Kanota, Khejroli, and Kaladera, while in Jhunjhunu district, Singhana, Dundlod, Jakhal, Sultana, Buhana, Malsisar, and Mandrela have been upgraded into municipalities.

Additionally, four new municipalities have been created in Dausa, Alwar, and Tonk, while three have been established in Ajmer, Barmer, and Balotra.

Among the other districts, Narayanpur and Mandhan (Kotputli-Behror), Palsana and Dhod (Sikar), Wazirpur and Khandar (Sawai Madhopur), Dei and Hindoli (Bundi), Raipur and Masuda (Beawar), Ahor and Sayla (Jalore), Merta Road and Riya Bari (Nagaur), Lunkaransar and Napasar (Bikaner), Mania and Sepau (Dholpur), and Surouth and Mandrayal (Karauli) have been granted municipal status.

Single new municipalities have been approved for Pahari (Deeg), Vallabhnagar (Udaipur), Goluwala (Hanumangarh), Bhim (Rajsamand), Gharsana (Sri Ganganagar), Khatu Khurd (Didwana-Kuchaman), Suket (Kota), Siswali (Baran), Sojat Road (Pali), Sahwa (Churu), Arnod (Pratapgarh), and Mandar (Sirohi).

To ensure the smooth functioning of the newly created municipalities, the state government has granted administrative and financial approval for 684 new posts.

The government said these appointments will strengthen urban governance while creating fresh employment opportunities for qualified youth.

The government has also withdrawn its earlier decision to outsource Class-IV employees, sanitation supervisors, sanitation workers and watchmen in six previously constituted municipalities. The approval for 54 outsourced posts in these civic bodies has been revoked with immediate effect.

–IANS

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