KOLKATA: West Bengal is on the brink of a significant increase in municipal representation and a massive flag distribution programme tied to Independence Day as the civic and political landscape of Kolkata comes under the spotlight today.The Bengal Assembly has passed bills suggesting to increase the number of Kolkata municipal wards to 209 and Howrah wards to 68, which can change the civic administration and political geography of the city.The state government will distribute 70 lakh national flags under the Har Ghar Tiranga programme at the same time, adding a major public mobilization component ahead of Independence Day.Kolkata is also gearing up for a broader development thrust with India Energy Week slated to be hosted in the city next year. Collectively, these developments have brought civic governance, public participation and the city’s status as a destination for events and investments to the forefront of Kolkata’s discourse today.Kolkata wards to be increasedThe West Bengal Assembly has passed a bill proposing to increase the number of Kolkata municipal wards to 209. The proposal for Howrah is to add 26 wards to the existing 42 wards. Such an expansion can change the nature of neighborhood representation and the delivery of civic services and thus is a development that goes beyond municipal boundaries.Plan for 70 lakh flagsWest Bengal is all set to distribute 70 lakh national flags under the Har Ghar Tiranga programme. The initiative is expected to see participation of government departments, organizations and citizens, with awareness programmes and competitions also scheduled around the campaign. The size of the distribution makes it one of the largest public-facing Independence Day efforts in the state this year.Kolkata to host big energy eventIndia Energy Week will also be held in Kolkata from January 28 to 31 next year. The decision places the city on the national energy-event calendar and may bring industry representatives, policymakers and investors to the city. The event is seen as another chance for Kolkata to establish itself as a venue for big national business and policy meets.
