Mumbai: The State government on Tuesday cleared a proposal to allow voters in Nagar Panchayat areas to elect directly the chairman of the Panchayat. The Cabinet approved a proposal to amend the Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act to enable change.

The proposal was drafted following recommendations of a Cabinet sub-committee under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue. Several politicians and activists have over the years demanded a need for a directly-elected chairman for Nagar Panchayat and mayor for the council.

The chairman and mayor should be more empowered and accountable for taking decisions in cities and towns, like public heads in megacities such as London and New York.
In his early days as Chief Minister, Fadnavis had expressed his willingness to have an authority that can act as the chief executive officer of Mumbai, a statement that was severely criticised by ally Shiv Sena.

Senior Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar was a member of the sub-committee formed to consider the demand made by activists and politicians. He said the government was considering making amendments to allow direct election of  chairman of Nagar Panchayat.