Panaji, April 6, 2026:
A civil society group from Mapusa, under the banner “Together Mapusa,” has submitted a draft proposal to the Secretary  of Municipal Administration seeking amendments to the Goa Municipalities Act to introduce Ward Sabhas and Nagar Sabhas in the state.

The proposal, titled “The Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” aims to strengthen urban governance through greater public participation, transparency, and accountability in municipal functioning.

Focus on Participatory Democracy

The draft highlights that while Article 243S of the Constitution mandates Ward Committees in municipalities with populations above three lakh, it does not provide for Ward Sabhas—assemblies of all registered voters in a ward.

The group argues that Ward Sabhas would enable direct citizen participation, similar to Gram Sabhas in rural areas, allowing voters to play an active role in decision-making rather than being limited to electing representatives.

Key Proposal Highlights

Introduction of statutory Ward Sabhas at ward level

Creation of a Nagar Sabha—an assembly of all municipal voters

Institutionalising public participation in budgeting and planning

Strengthening accountability in urban local bodies


Goa Context Highlighted

The memorandum points out that Goa’s municipal councils are relatively small, making direct democracy models more feasible.

It also notes the absence of any equivalent to Gram Sabhas in urban areas, calling it an “anomaly” that needs correction. The proposal argues that Ward Sabhas and Nagar Sabhas could bridge this gap and improve governance at the local level.

National Comparison

The document states that only a few states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have adopted stronger participatory frameworks, while many others continue to rely solely on Ward Committees.

Call for Government Action

The group has urged the state government to examine the draft bill and take necessary steps for its approval and implementation.

The memorandum was signed by Adv. Mahesh J. Rane (President) and Jitesh J. Kamat (General Secretary), with a copy marked to the Urban Development Department, Government of Goa.