Goa, Daman and Diu were liberated on 19-12-1961 from Portuguese rule during Operation Vijay. The Portuguese Government ruled for nearly 450 years. After liberation, Goa, Daman and Diu became a Union Territory. Later Goa became a state, while Daman and Diu continued as a Union Territory with effect from 31-05-1987.
The Diu Municipal Council was earlier known as “CAMARA MUNICIPAL DE DIO” during the Portuguese reign. The members were called “VOGAL” and the administration was governed under rules known as “ESTATUTO”, framed by the erstwhile regime.
After liberation, there were 5 elected members up to 1970. The Goa, Daman & Diu Municipalities Act, 1968 was published in the Government Gazette on 16-05-1969 and made applicable from the same date.
In 1971, the Fudam Panchayat was merged into Diu Municipal Council, increasing representation to 11 councillors. Later in 1987, after Goa attained statehood, Ghoghla Panchayat was also merged, making the total number of councillors 13.
The Diu Municipal Council consists of 13 elected councillors, including 8 male and 5 female members. One seat is reserved for an S.C. Female Member. Standing and Subject Committees are formed from among the elected councillors.
Municipal affairs are presently governed under the Daman & Diu Municipal (Amended) Regulation, 1994.
Diu is a small island located near the coast of Saurashtra (Kathiawad), close to Veraval Port in Gujarat. It is bounded by Junagadh and Amreli districts in the north and by the Arabian Sea on three sides. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges.
The Diu Municipal Council area covers 17.71 sq. km. and includes Diu Town, Ghoghla, Fudam, Gandhipara and Simbor. Diu has developed as a major tourist destination with scenic beaches and historical monuments.
Important tourist attractions include Diu Fort, Panikota Fortress, Diu Museum, St. Paul’s Church, Gangeshwar Temple, Jalandhar Shrine, Chakratirth Beach and Ghoghla Beach.
The Municipal Council performs essential public duties such as Bus Transport Service, city cleanliness, street light maintenance, road construction, property maintenance, trade licences, construction licences, birth and death registration, NOCs, and implementation of government welfare schemes such as UDISSMT, MPLAD, Slum Rehabilitation and Integrated Tourist Circuit Schemes.