13 UT villages set to come under MC

Ramkrishan Upadhyay 

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14 

After dilly-dallying for more than five years, the Chandigarh Administration has allowed the merger of all 13 villages, that fall under the jurisdiction of the administration, with the Municipal Corporation. 

Sources said VP Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and UT Administrator, has given in-principal approval to the proposal. The Department of Rural Development and Panchyat has conveyed the decision of the administration to the state Election Commission which has already started preparations for the panchayat elections scheduled to be in December. 

Dr Ajay Kumar Singla, Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayat, has confirmed the decision. 

The sources said the administration arrived at the decision after discussions with the elected representatives of villages, who gave their approval and consensus for a better development of their villages.

The sources said with the merger, the number of wards of the Municipal Corporation will increase from the existing 26 to 33. At present, nine of the 22 villages in Chandigarh are in the MC limits.

Thirteen villages which are to be merged with the MC are Bahlana, Raipur Khurd, Raipur Kalan, Makhan Majra, Daria, Mauli Jagran, Kishangarh, Kaimbwala, Khuda Ali Sher, Khuda Jassu, Khuda Lahora, Sarangpur and Dhanas. These villages are located in Chandigarh and have a population of 50,135. 

Devinder Lubana, former sarpanch of Kishangarh, said it would be beneficial not only for villagers but also for people who have now settled outside lal dora in these villages. At present, the panchayats cannot spend money on houses constructed outside the lal dora. He said over 80 per cent population is now living outside the lal dora. 

Jeet Singh, secretary of the sarpanch association, welcomed the decision.  He said the merger would ensure a better development of these villages.

Thirteen villages 

Bahlana, Raipur Khurd, Raipur Kalan, Makhan Majra, Daria, Mauli Jagran, Kishangarh, Kaimbwala, Khuda Ali Sher, Khuda Jassu, Khuda Lahora, Sarangpur and Dhanas. These villages are located in Chandigarh and have a population of 50,135. 

Good news for areas outside lal dora 

Devinder Lubana, former sarpanch of Kishangarh, said it would be beneficial not only for villagers but also for people who have now settled outside lal dora in these villages. At present, the panchayats cannot spend money on houses constructed outside the lal dora. He said over 80 per cent population is now living outside the lal dora.