Formation of ward committees may be delayed yet again

MUMBAI, JULY 13: The formation of ward committees will be delayed yet again, this time due to the Lok Sabha elections. As the model code ...

MUMBAI, JULY 13: The formation of ward committees will be delayed yet again, this time due to the Lok Sabha elections. As the model code of conduct is already in place, the formation of the committees will now most likely take place only after the poll process is over.

The committees were to be formed by the end of this month, according to BMC. Now municipal secretary Sudha Khire has written to the legal department asking for advice on whether it would be possible to form the committees when the poll code is in effect, because the process would involve creation of new posts and election of chairpersons of these committees.

The committees, meant for decentralisation of administrative powers, have to be formed in accordance with the 74th amendment to the Indian Constitution.

The formation of the committees was delayed early last year as the administration said the move would be made only after introduction of the Mayor-in-Council in April. From then on, the move has been delayed for some reason or theother, though cabins for these committees are almost ready, said deputy municipal commissioner (general administration) S B Patil.

The new mayor Hareshwar Patil, however, was firm on forming the committees by the end of July, and the administration was this time ready with all the infrastructure.