Chandigarh Mayor Calls for Urgent Administrative and Financial Reforms in Municipal Corporation
In a significant move to address pressing civic challenges, Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi has penned a detailed letter to Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, urging immediate intervention on multiple fronts crucial for the smooth functioning of the Municipal Corporation (MC). This appeal follows earlier discussions during a recent Advisory Council meeting, where the Mayor first raised these concerns, emphasizing the need for swift action to realize the vision of a "Viksit Chandigarh" and enhance service delivery to residents.
Staffing Shortages and Administrative Overload
Mayor Joshi highlighted severe staffing deficiencies that are hampering the MC's operations. With Chandigarh's population expanding significantly and the corporation's jurisdiction now covering the entire city, administrative workloads have surged across key departments such as solid waste management, vendor regulation, taxation, public grievances, and village oversight. Despite this increased demand, only two officials are currently posted, down from the previous norm of three, leading to delays in decision-making and compromised service efficiency. The Mayor stressed the urgent need for adequate deputation of HCS, PCS, and DANICS officers to bridge this gap and ensure robust governance.
Demand for a Regular Chief Engineer
A major point of contention raised in the letter is the absence of a regular Chief Engineer in the Municipal Corporation. Mayor Joshi pointed out that critical civic works, including road maintenance, public health initiatives, electrical upkeep, and sanitation projects, require dedicated technical supervision. Currently, an additional charge arrangement is in place, which is adversely affecting the efficiency and timely execution of development projects. The appointment of a full-time Chief Engineer is deemed essential to oversee these vital functions and drive progress in urban infrastructure.
Financial Concerns and Cow Cess Revision
Financial sustainability emerged as another key issue, with the Mayor flagging the need to revise cow cess rates in the upcoming excise policy. He noted that a significant reduction in cess rates implemented in 2023 has resulted in an alarming nearly 80 per cent drop in revenue, severely impacting cow welfare programs. These initiatives include fodder supply, healthcare services, shelter management, and the proposed veterinary hospital at Raipur Kalan. To mitigate this, Mayor Joshi proposed exploring new revenue streams, such as imposing a nominal cow cess on property registrations and rationalizing vehicle-related charges, aligning with practices in other major cities.
Broader Financial and Governance Measures
Beyond cow cess, the Mayor urged the Administration to expedite the inclusion of UT Chandigarh under the Sixth Delhi Finance Commission, a matter pending with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, he called for the release of the Municipal Corporation's rightful share under Section 90(6) of the Punjab Municipal Act, 1976, which covers revenues from stamp duty, motor vehicle tax, electricity duty, and entertainment tax. These steps are viewed as critical for strengthening the MC's long-term financial health and ensuring adequate funding for civic services.
Call for Immediate Action
Stressing the urgency of these matters, Mayor Joshi requested Administrator Kataria to intervene promptly and convene a meeting at the earliest to address these concerns. He emphasized that timely action is indispensable for efficient governance and the delivery of quality civic services to Chandigarh's residents. The letter underscores a comprehensive approach to tackling administrative and financial hurdles, aiming to foster a more responsive and sustainable municipal framework for the "City Beautiful."
