📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Raj495314
Politics
Bihar Overhauls Municipal Act: Mayors Gain More Powers, Licensing Moves Online
✍️ Amar Ujala · Bihar
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 11:16 AM
👁 22
The Bihar government has amended the 2007 Municipal Act, granting mayors expanded authority and shifting map and licence procedures to digital platforms.
The state cabinet approved amendments to the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, aimed at strengthening urban governance. Under the new provisions, mayors of municipal corporations and councils will receive broader executive powers, including greater control over financial decisions and project approvals.
A key feature of the reform is the digitisation of land‑use mapping and licence issuance. Municipalities will now process these applications through an online portal, reducing paperwork and speeding up service delivery. The government said the move aligns with its broader digital‑India agenda for local bodies.
The changes also introduce clearer accountability mechanisms for elected officials and streamline coordination between state departments and urban local bodies. Officials expect the reforms to improve transparency and efficiency in city administration across Bihar.
Stakeholders, including urban planners and civic groups, have welcomed the shift toward online processes but have urged the state to ensure adequate training and infrastructure at the grassroots level.
Implementation is slated to begin in the upcoming fiscal year, with the state planning to monitor outcomes through periodic reviews.
A key feature of the reform is the digitisation of land‑use mapping and licence issuance. Municipalities will now process these applications through an online portal, reducing paperwork and speeding up service delivery. The government said the move aligns with its broader digital‑India agenda for local bodies.
The changes also introduce clearer accountability mechanisms for elected officials and streamline coordination between state departments and urban local bodies. Officials expect the reforms to improve transparency and efficiency in city administration across Bihar.
Stakeholders, including urban planners and civic groups, have welcomed the shift toward online processes but have urged the state to ensure adequate training and infrastructure at the grassroots level.
Implementation is slated to begin in the upcoming fiscal year, with the state planning to monitor outcomes through periodic reviews.