History of the Panchayat

The Perinthalmanna area was initially under the Malappuram Taluk Board and later under the Valluvanad Taluk Board. The Panchayat was formed in 1933. As per the Local Bodies Act of 1920, the Panchayat consisted of the Kakkuthu and Perinthalmanna villages. The President was elected through a general meeting, and the President had executive powers.

The first Panchayat President was Adv. P. Achutha Menon in 1937. In 1939, Kizhisseri Chekku Ranger became President. In 1949, the Board was dissolved and Easwara Iyer took charge as Special Officer.

In the 1942 election, Othukkumpurath Unnyali Sahib was elected President and continued to administer the Panchayat for ten consecutive years.

Another election was held in 1953, which was also the first election in which ballot papers were used. Comrade Govindan Nambiar was elected President.

The members of the Board included Nechiyil Moitheenkutty Sahib, Kizhisseri Muhammed, Kizhisseri Unneenkutty, P.V.S. Musthafa Pookkoya Thangal, Nanasami, P.T. Ahammedkutty Sahib, and O. Marakkar.

At that time, there was no reservation for Harijans. From 1954, Perinthalmanna became a Major Panchayat. As a result, the post of Executive Officer was introduced.

Development under Govindan Nambiar

1953 onwards: Govindan Nambiar initiated comprehensive development activities in Perinthalmanna and worked towards implementing a people-oriented development policy.

Govindan Nambiar, who became President in 1953, initiated comprehensive development activities in Perinthalmanna. By taking up public issues and organising struggles for the people, he became a popular leader.

He paid attention to extending development to every corner of the region by establishing public libraries, public wells, public ponds and public roads, along with other public facilities.

The first Panchayat bus stand was also constructed during this period. Later, in the 1957 State Legislative Assembly election, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly.

Changes after 1962

Following the dissolution of the District Board in 1962, changes were made to the structure of the Panchayat. The Panchayat was expanded by including Eravimangalam and Pathakkara Desam.

Another election was held in 1963. Adv. Ummerkhan became President. The members included Ayyappunni, E.K. Kamma, Kunchuraman Nair, Narayana Menon, P.N. Eravimangalam, P. Muhammed, T. Moithunni, Pariyani and Mariyamma John.

This Board remained in office until 1979. During this period, elections to local self-government institutions were not held in the State.

In 1975, Perinthalmanna was upgraded to a Special Grade Panchayat.

From 1979 to 1990

1979

Alikkal Kunjan was elected President in the Panchayat election.

1984 – 1988

Following the dissolution of the Board in 1984, the Taluk Panchayat Officer administered the Panchayat as Special Officer.

1988

R.N. Manazhi was elected President and T. Moossukkutty Vice-President.

Perinthalmanna Becomes a Municipality

10 February 1990
Perinthalmanna was elevated from a Panchayat to a Municipality.

On 10 February 1990, Perinthalmanna, along with several other Panchayats, was upgraded to the status of a Municipality.

R.N. Manazhi took charge as the first Chairman of the Advisory Board. In 1991, the Advisory Board was dissolved and a Special Officer took charge.

Subsequently, an election was held, and on 26 October 1995, the new governing body — the first elected governing body of Perinthalmanna Municipality — assumed office.

Municipal Administration

The municipal administrations and their Chairpersons/Chairmen and Vice-Chairpersons/Vice-Chairmen over the years are given below.

YearChairperson / ChairmanVice-Chairperson / Vice-Chairman
1995K.T. PremalathaR.N. Manazhi
2000K.T. NarayananA. Venugopal
2005C. DivakaranA.T. Noorjahan
2010Nishi AnilrajK.P. Ravi
2010 – subsequentNishi AnilrajM. Mohammed Salim
2015M. Mohammed SalimNishi Anilraj
2020P. ShajiNazeera Teacher
2025Surayya FarooqFasal Muhammed

The Continuing Journey

Perinthalmanna Municipality has continued its journey of local self-government through successive elected councils and administrations.

From its beginnings as a Panchayat in 1933 to its transformation into a Municipality in 1990 and the subsequent elected councils, the history of Perinthalmanna reflects the continuing efforts towards local development and public welfare.

Perinthalmanna Municipality
A continuing journey of democratic local governance, public participation and development.

 

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