Ward member Gupta holds dharna at MC meeting

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, May 23

The standoff between Municipal Council (MC) president Manmohan Singh Mall and ward member Anuj Gupta that began last month continued at the council meeting in Mussoorie today. Gupta sat on a dharna in the board room when Manmohan Mall did not allow him to sign in the council proceeding book. This created an unruly scene affecting the council work.

The MC president stuck to his stand and said till Gupta tenders an apology for derogatory remarks made at the earlier council meeting he would not be allowed to sign in the proceeding book and participate in the council activities. Some ward members tried to broker peace but both sides did not relent and stalemate continued. Some members said unruly scenes damaged the image of Mussoorie and the issue should be resolved amicably.

A proposal of installing five CCTV cameras in the town was also discussed at the meeting today. The MC president listened to the proposals of the two private contractors. Ward member Vinod Semwal inquired about the quality of CCTV cameras to be installed in the town.

Substandard work on Hathipaon road 

The MC president irked at the substandard work done on the Hathipaon road lambasted officials for not monitoring the work properly. He directed them to inspect road construction works, especially on Hathipaon Road, and submit a detailed report. The contractor whose work was found to be of poor quality would be blacklisted. 

Nominated members want more say 

Nominated ward member Ramprasad Kavi said they were not being consulted while clearing proposals and demanded more say in the council proceedings. Manmohan Mall read out the guidelines on the rights of nominated members and said the government had appointed them for giving meaningful suggestions and they did not have the voting right.

Approval of works opposed

Six elected ward members opposed the MC president’s decision to award works to 20 contractors at his own discretion and termed it against the law. However, Manmohan Mall said he had granted construction works of less Rs 3 lakh value to various contractors as per the new government order (GO) that allowed him to do so.  Anuj Gupta said most of the ward members were not consulted while granting construction works as per the new GO. 

"Manmohan Singh Mall is misleading the council as the new government order gives discretionary power to the council and not the MC president alone. He should consult members while granting construction works to contractors." Jasvir Kaur, ward member

"Ward members opposing the decision are demanding cancellation of works granted as per the new government order and place the proposals first before the council committee on construction and, if cleared, bring it at the council meeting for the final approval." Arvind Gusain, ward member

"I am an elected member and have the right to participate in the proceedings of the Municipal Council. MC president Manmohan Singh Mall is violating rules by restraining me from participating in the council and signing in the proceedings book. I will continue with my protest till  my demand is met." Anuj Gupta, ward member