BMC’s Nominated Corporators: Selection Process, Eligibility and Role Explained

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, February 03, 2026

Mumbai’s civic governance is set to see the induction of 10 nominated corporators into the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in addition to the 227 elected members, following the election of the city’s Mayor. These nominated members play a distinct advisory role in the civic body, bringing experience and subject expertise into municipal decision-making.

Who are nominated corporators?

Nominated corporators are senior party members or domain experts appointed by political parties based on their performance in the BMC elections. Unlike elected corporators, they do not contest polls but are inducted to strengthen the quality of debate and policymaking within the civic council.

The provision for nominated corporators was first introduced in 1994, through an amendment to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act.

Increase in number

Until recently, Maharashtra civic bodies were allowed a maximum of five nominated corporators. However, in 2023, the State Urban Development Department increased this number to 10, expanding expert participation in large municipal corporations like the BMC.

Party-wise distribution

For the upcoming BMC term:

• BJP will nominate four corporators
• Shiv Sena (UBT) will nominate three
• Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Congress and AIMIM will each nominate one member

The allocation is done proportionately based on the number of seats won by each party in the municipal elections. A party must win at least five seats to qualify for a nominated corporator, and generally, one nomination is granted for every 20 elected corporators.

Eligibility criteria

Since nominated corporators are not elected, they must meet strict eligibility norms laid down by the state government. Eligible individuals include:

• Medical professionals with minimum five years of service in civic hospitals
• Members with five years’ experience in recognised NGOs in Mumbai
• Experts in municipal or labour laws
• Former senior civic officials such as municipal commissioners, deputy commissioners or assistant commissioners with prescribed service tenure

The objective is to utilise their technical knowledge and administrative experience to improve governance.

Powers and limitations

Nominated corporators:

• Can raise questions in the civic house
• Participate in debates and discussions
• Initiate notices of motion
• Attend special meetings chaired by the municipal commissioner
• Provide suggestions on the BMC budget and expenditure

However, they do not have voting rights, which limits their participation in key statutory committees such as the Standing Committee or Improvements Committee, where policies are approved through voting.

Development funds

• Elected corporators receive a development fund of ₹1.6 crore annually
• Nominated corporators receive ₹60 lakh annually
• Both are entitled to a monthly honorarium of ₹25,000

If a nominated corporator wishes to carry out development work in a ward, they must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the elected corporator of that ward.

Why nominated corporators matter

Former nominated corporators say their role is crucial in scrutinising policies, identifying gaps, and offering corrective suggestions before decisions are finalised. Their experience often helps improve governance outcomes, even though they do not influence final voting.

As Mumbai’s civic administration enters a new term, nominated corporators are expected to act as knowledge contributors and policy watchdogs, ensuring informed decision-making in India’s richest municipal corporation.