Ombudsman sought for Chandigarh MC

A member of the UT Administrator’s Advisory Council has demanded to appoint ombudsman for Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.

In a letter to Gulab Chand Kataria, UT Administrator, council member Ajay Jagga stressed the need for urgent appointment of ombudsman for the MC.

He said as per the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission, the appointment of an ombudsman for local bodies was mandatory to ensure transparency, efficiency and accountability. Unfortunately, despite repeated calls, this provision has not yet been implemented in the Chandigarh MC.

The situation today has become even more alarming, as the MC is reeling under a severe financial crunch, unable to manage its obligations and facing mounting criticism from citizens, Jagga added.

There is a growing perception that Chandigarh was functioning better without the MC.

This is not merely a governance issue but a serious financial management crisis, requiring immediate corrective steps, he said.

An ombudsman for the local body is not just a formality but a statutory necessity. It would provide independent oversight on mal-administration, financial mismanagement and misuse of powers, check leakages and wastage of public funds, ensuring every rupee is utilised prudently and Empower citizens by addressing grievances transparently and recommending remedial or preventive measures, Jagga added.