What is meant by Alderman?

About Alderman:

• Alderman is a term that originated from the combination of “old” and “man,” indicating an older or experienced person.
• Initially, it referred to elders of a clan or tribe but later evolved to denote the king’s viceroys, regardless of age.
• Eventually, it took on a more specific meaning as the “chief magistrate of a county” with both civil and military responsibilities.
• By the 12th century CE, it began to be associated with municipal governments and used to describe officers of municipal bodies. This usage of the term continues to the present day.
• Alderman in India:
  • In India, a General Body of a Municipality or Municipal Corporationis comprisedofelected representatives called Councillors.
  • Councillors can nominate experts in their disciplines of the city to become members of this body. These nominated members are called ‘Aldermen’. 
  • They cannot, however, cast votes in the mayoral election.
  • As ward committee members, they have the right to assist the house in taking decisions of public importance.
• Case of Delhi:
  • As per the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act of 1957, the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has the authority to nominate ten individuals who are above the age of 25 to the corporation.
  • These individuals are believed to have specialised expertise or experience in municipal administration. 

Q1: What is a Municipal Corporation?

Municipal Corporations, also known as Nagar Nigams, are the highest level of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 gave constitutional recognition to Municipal Corporations and established a formal structure for them.

Source: May pronounce verdict on Delhi govt’s plea against LG’s power to nominate aldermen in MCD: SC

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