Gurugram Civic Body Establishes 117 Area Sabhas to Enhance Accountability, RWAs Voice Concerns Over Exclusion
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has taken a significant step towards decentralizing local governance by constituting 117 'Area Sabhas' across its 36 wards. This move, implemented on January 20 under the Haryana Municipal Citizens' Participation Act, aims to expand public involvement in service delivery and decision-making processes. However, the initiative has sparked controversy as Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) lament their exclusion from the formation process, raising questions about its effectiveness and inclusivity.
Structure and Function of the New Area Sabhas
In an official order, the MCG divided each ward into 3-4 Area Sabhas, with four sabhas allocated to wards where the population exceeds 35,000. This division is based on polling booths from the latest electoral rolls and voter numbers, ensuring a structured approach to local representation. Each Sabha comprises all registered voters in its designated area as members, fostering broad-based participation. To coordinate activities, a municipal corporation employee has been appointed as the Member Secretary for each Sabha, tasked with facilitating meetings and implementing decisions.
According to the Act, the Area Sabhas are entrusted with a range of responsibilities designed to empower citizens. These include generating development proposals, prioritizing schemes, verifying eligible beneficiaries for government programs, and suggesting locations for civic amenities such as streetlights and sanitation units. Additionally, they are expected to identify service deficiencies, assist in public health initiatives like epidemic reporting, mobilize voluntary labor and contributions for projects, and support tax mapping efforts while reminding residents of their payment obligations.
RWAs Express Discontent Over Exclusion
Despite the MCG's intentions, RWAs have voiced strong objections to being left out of the Area Sabha formation process. Chaitali Mandhotra, co-convener of United Gurugram RWAs, an umbrella forum representing over 60 associations, criticized the move as detrimental to grassroots governance. She argued that RWA presidents should have been included in the sabhas, provided proper audits were conducted, similar to the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority's Residents Advisory Council. Mandhotra expressed concerns that without RWA representation, the sabhas might fail to address the complex issues faced by residents, stating, "If any tom dick harry is chosen, how will they represent issues facing so many people?"
She further accused the MCG of ignoring the lowest level of governance, suggesting that the formation of Area Sabhas with every voter as a member is impractical and lacks statutory backing. "The policy and act should change to include RWAs, otherwise Gurgaon will be in an even worse disaster. Right now, they do not want to find solutions when we have been working on them for years," Mandhotra added, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the civic body and local stakeholders.
Echoing these sentiments, Kusum Sharma, chairperson of Suncity RWA, emphasized the importance of proper decentralization. "Decentralisation is most welcome, but it should be done properly. RWAs knowing about their areas can micromanage, so they cannot be excluded. There isn't any much clarity on the role of councillors. How will the sabhas understand the issues of citizens? RWA will know specific issues, without them they cannot be fixed," she remarked, underscoring the need for inclusive governance structures.
MCG Defends Move as Statutory and Inclusive
In response to the criticism, MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya defended the formation of Area Sabhas, describing it as a measure purely aimed at enhancing accountability. He clarified that the move aligns with statutory and constitutional mandates for decentralization, initiated at the behest of the State government to identify and finalize beneficiaries for various schemes. Dahiya reassured RWAs that their autonomy is not under threat, stating, "No RWA needs to feel threatened. Every citizen can contribute including RWA members, their powers and autonomy are not being taken away in any manner."
An MCG spokesperson elaborated on the benefits of the new system, highlighting its potential to strengthen transparency and urban governance. "The formation of area sabhas will increase citizens' participation in identifying local problems, finding solutions, and monitoring development works. This will strengthen transparency, accountability, and better urban governance. Citizens should actively cooperate in city development through area sabhas," the spokesperson stated, encouraging public engagement.
As Gurugram navigates this new phase of civic participation, the debate between the MCG and RWAs underscores the challenges of balancing statutory frameworks with grassroots representation. The success of the Area Sabhas may hinge on how effectively they integrate diverse voices and address the concerns of all stakeholders in the city's governance landscape.
