We are looking at various options, including amending the Constitution, to make it mandatory for states to get the mayor elected directly,” said an official. If the Centre has its way, country’s urban hubs will get directly elected mayors with a fixed term of five years, and greater financial and functional powers. Government sources said Modi is keen on making cities across the country adopt the directly elected mayoral system, according greater accountability to the local leadership. At present, six states – Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu – provide for mayors that are elected directly by voters for a five-year term. “A directly elected mayoral system with a five-year term is a huge positive.

Source: Hindustan Times July 17, 2016 19:30 UTC