The Odisha government has revised the schedule for the delimitation of wards and reservation of seats for municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the run-up to forthcoming urban local body elections next year.

In a letter addressed to collectors of all district except Boudh, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua said the issue of draft notification inviting objections and suggestions on the proposed delimitation of wards and reservation of seats — under section 12(3-A)(a) of the Odisha Municipal Act, 1950 and read with rule 2-A(1) of the Odisha Municipal (Delimitation of Wards, Reservation of Seats and Conduct of Election) Rules, 1994 — has to be completed by the district magistrates by September 24.

By October 3, objections and suggestions will be received by the district magistrates. Provisional notification relating to the delimitation of wards and reservation of seats will be published by October 7, 2026.

According to the new schedule, appeals against the provisional notification may be filed before the Housing and Urban Development Department between October 7 and October 21, 2026.

The State government will hear and dispose of appeals between October 26-28. Following this process, district magistrates will issue the final notification on delimitation and reservation by October 31, 2026, incorporating any changes arising from the disposal of appeals.

Officials have been asked to take immediate steps to ensure that the entire delimitation and reservation process is completed strictly in accordance with the revised schedule, underscoring the government’s effort to keep preparations for municipal elections on track.

The elections to urban bodies would be held after panchayat polls early next year. The delimitation and reservation of seats are keenly waited as it would change equation on ground and established candidates may have to look for safe seats.