Over 8 months on, MC yet to form ward committees

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 15

It seems that the local Municipal Corporation (MC) is not much bothered about public participation as over eight months have passed and the civic body is yet to form ward development committees.

Ward committees, which are formed for one year, play a major role in the development of the city as these provide a platform for local residents to be part of the decision-making process. These are formed by the Mayor following recommendation of names from the respective area councillors and then sent to the UT Administrator for notification.

“According to the MC Act, it is mandatory to form ward committees. Committee members, who are residents of that area, give important suggestions about the works to be done in the particular ward. Officers are also part of these committees. If formed, such panels should hold monthly meetings so that works can be reviewed,” said Hitesh Puri, Chairman, Chandigarh Residents Association Welfare Federation.

Slamming the MC, leader of opposition Devinder Singh Babla said, “Since the BJP has come to power in the corporation, the committees are either delayed or not formed. When the Congress was in power, we used to form committees in the first month only.”

Former Congress Mayor Subhash Chawla said, “Though the committees have not been much fruitful, it is mandatory to form these under the MC Act. We always used to form these on time. The BJP is not bothered about public participation.”

Incumbent Mayor Rajesh Kalia did not respond despite repeated calls. Senior Deputy Mayor Hardeep Singh said, “We could not form committees due to model code of conduct during parliamentary elections. We will soon form it.” Former BJP mayor Davesh Moudgil had got it formed by personally meeting the Administrator after some objections were raised regarding names of committee members. A total of 26 committees — 11 members in each — are to be formed. Local councillors will be chairpersons of these panels, while nominated councillors will be vice-chairmen.

Platform for residents

Ward committees, which are formed for one year, play a major role in the development of the city as these provide a platform for local residents to be part of the decision-making process. These are formed by the Mayor following recommendation of names from the respective area councillors and then sent to the UT Administrator for notification.