Jaipur, June 27 -- The Rajasthan government has approved the formation of 76 new municipalities across the state, taking the total number of urban local bodies from 309 to 385, according to a government order. The move is being billed as the largest expansion of local bodies during the current BJP government's tenure. Alongside the expansion, the state has sanctioned 684 new posts in the department of local self government to strengthen the administrative framework of the newly created municipalities. The approval marks the department's first recruitment drive in three years and the largest creation of posts in nearly 15 years. Jaipur and Jhunjhunu districts have received the highest number of new municipalities - seven each. In Jaipur district, Vatika, Jamwa Ramgarh, Phagi, Dudu, Kanota, Khejroli and Kaladera have been upgraded to municipal status. Dausa, Alwar and Tonk have been allotted four new municipalities each, while Balotra, Barmer and Ajmer have received three each. Several other districts have also been included in the expansion. Officials said the decision has been taken in view of the rapid urbanisation witnessed in many parts of the state, where expanding populations have increased the demand for better civic amenities and planned urban development. The government expects the new municipalities to accelerate infrastructure projects, improve municipal services and ensure more effective local governance. To support the functioning of the 76 new municipalities, administrative and financial approval has been granted for the creation of 684 posts. Each municipality will have one post each of executive officer (Class IV), assistant revenue inspector, junior engineer (civil), junior accountant, solid waste manager (health inspector), senior draftsman and senior assistant. In addition, two junior assistant posts have been sanctioned for every municipality. The government said the recruitment will ensure smooth administrative functioning in the newly constituted civic bodies while also generating employment opportunities for young job seekers. In a related decision, the government has withdrawn its earlier approval for outsourcing the services of Class IV employees, watchmen, sanitation supervisors and sanitation workers in six municipalities that had already been constituted. The arrangement relating to 54 previously sanctioned posts in these six civic bodies has also been discontinued with immediate effect....