Pondicherry Municipal Council: Difference between revisions

Introduction

Pondicherry had had French system of municipal administration since 1880 and till the last poll held in [1968]]. Recently, in 2006 again municipal elections were held.

Early years

The French Metropolitan Decree dated 12th, March 1880 adopted a six-year term of office for Mayors, municipal councillors and commune panchayats. From then all the civil record were maintained perfectly in Pondicherry Union Territory.

In the past, municipal administration was virtually the pivot of the whole administrative machinery in Pondicherry. It had several features that could serve as a role model for hassle-free administration. Pondicherry had four municipalities in the past namely, Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.

Actually, it was the municipal elections that decided cession of the old colonies of French to India.

La Mairie De Pondichéry

There was magnificent and elegant 19th century municipality building situated close to the sea on beach road in Pondicherry.

Absence of civil elections for three decades

For more than three decades, the municipalities and commune panchayats were manned by the bureaucracy. Special Officers stepped into the shoes of Mayors and took charge after the civic bodies, formed in 1968, completed their six-year term in 1974.