Those planning to contest urban local bodies elections to be held in May-June may be allowed to spend almost double the amount which at present is allowed as per municipal rules.

The urban development and housing department on Wednesday gave consent to the election dates suggested by the state election commission. The elections will be conducted in two phases - May 21 and June 4. Voting for seven municipal corporations, 31 Nagar Parishads and 63 Nagar Panchayats will take place on May 21 and that for two municipal corporations, including Patna, seven Nagar Parishads and two Nagar Panchayats would take place on June 4.

Amid finalisation of poll dates, the state election commission is awaiting the state government's consent for enhancing the expenditure limit of poll candidates.

"We sent a proposal to the state government for enhancement of existing expenditure limit for contesting urban local body elections and we have been informed that after taking the opinion of the law department, the proposal is likely to be accepted," a source in the election commission said. He said even if the government's nod is received after finalisation of dates, the panel will allow the enhanced limit, which would be around double of the existing one, during the polls

At present, the expenditure limit varies for different categories of seats.

"If the limit is enhanced it will be good for candidates because the present limit is unrealistic and it is virtually impossible for a candidate to stick to it," a sitting councillor of Motihari Nagar Parishad said.

A sitting councillor of Patna Municipal Corporation said the existing limit forced candidates to bypass rules. "Even if the limit is doubled as being thought, it will not be sufficient as present day polls have become quite expensive."

Appointment

The state election commission has sent letters to all divisional commissioners for deputation of election and counting observers. Those deputed can be deputy development commissioners, additional district magistrates or officials of deputy secretary rank or senior technical officers for this work. These officials can be deputed in the districts other than the one where they are posted. The divisional commissioners have been requested to provide the list of observers to the state election commission latest by April 13.