Team Mangalorean - Sullia
from Shreyas Nadubail

Sullia: In keeping with a policy decision implemented in 1975, the mandal panchayat here had been upgraded as a municipality by virtue of this town being a taluk headquarters. But then again, based on a new policy of giving rankings on the basis of population, Sullia became a mandal panchayat in 1986 and later in 1996 a town panchayat.

The population of Sullia town was 18,800 according to the 2001 census. With the growth, it was estimated to increase to 25,000. But now the results of the 2011 census are out and the population at the census was 19.970, still 30 short of the figure which could qualify it to become a town municipal council.

The tenure of the present panchayat is up to February 13, 2013. Elections are likely to be held in December, 2012. If the upgradation takes place before that, reorganization of the constituencies could go on smoothly. Once that happens, every thousand will have a representation and the municipal council will have 20 members, as against the present number of 18. Out of them 10 will be women by statute.

The panchayat has already resolved to include neighbouring Kalcharpe, Arambur and other places and get bigger. It has sent the resolution to the government and is eagerly awaiting a favourable order.