The number of seats in the Gangtok Municipal Corporation has been increased from 17 to 19 by the Sikkim Government on Monday.

The growth is seen ahead of the Urban local bodies’ polls in Sikkim, which might be held in early 2021.

A decision to re-form Gyashing Nagar Panchayat and Nayabazar-Jorethang Nagar Panchayat from its earlier status of Municipal Council has been taken on the other hand.

Previously, administrators were appointed by the Sikkim Government in seven urban local bodies of the State after the period of the existing heads of these bodies ends.

Because of COVID-19 pandemic the municipal elections in Sikkim were postponed.

A statement issued by the Urban Development Department said, “During the interim period of the Administrators, all the properties vested in the Municipalities shall remain vested in the State Government”.