The Government of Maharashtra, on March 12, 2026, introduced the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 to amend the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961.
The bill proposes insertion of a new provision in Section 9 enabling the Collector to nominate councillors with special knowledge or experience in Zilla Parishad administration. The number of such nominated councillors will be ten percent of the total elected councillors or a minimum of five persons, whichever is higher. However, these nominated members will not have voting rights in meetings nor be eligible to become President, Vice-President, or committee chairpersons of the Zilla Parishad.
The bill also amends Section 10 to clarify that the tenure of nominated councillors will be co-terminus with the duration of the Zilla Parishad. The amendment aims to bring expert input into local governance while maintaining the decision-making authority of elected representatives.
[Notification No. L.A. Bill No. XV of 2026]
