Mira-Bhayandar general body clears Rs 500 crore, Rs 188 crore sewer proposals amid scuffle
The ruling BJP passed major spending proposals at the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation meeting as a row over filming led to a scuffle, and opponents objected to the hurried pace.
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A fierce scuffle and uproar over filming marked the general body meeting of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation on Friday. In that atmosphere, the ruling BJP approved important proposals involving hundreds of crores of rupees. These include about Rs 500 crore for the second phase of the underground sewer scheme and Rs 188 crore for the maintenance, repair and reconstruction of sewage centres.
Opponents say proposals involving such large sums were decided on the strength of a majority without proper discussion, raising questions about the corporation's functioning. They object that the quality, transparency and implementation of the work, on which crores of rupees meant for the city's development will be spent, should have been discussed, but the meeting was wrapped up in haste.
The uproar began over filming. It is alleged that some BJP corporators went into the visitors' gallery and assaulted citizens and journalists. It has been reported that a case has been registered at Bhayandar police station against about 16 corporators. Cases have also been registered against some citizens on complaints from corporators and the municipal administration.
It is also alleged that the mayor had to attend Navratri events and therefore chose to finish the business quickly. It is said that as a result, even the calling-attention notices and the question hour were not held. There were about 32 items on the agenda. Opponents expressed displeasure at the announcement that several items would be taken up for discussion together and put to a quick vote.
The proposal for the second phase of the underground sewer scheme has been passed. The scheme is considered important for proper management of the city's wastewater. People feel that the spending on the second phase should be discussed only after looking at the present condition and progress of the first phase. The Rs 188 crore proposal for sewage centres has also been approved. There is a demand for full details of what work will be done, how long it will take and what the results will be.
The meeting also had on its agenda an increase in transport bus fares, setting up a distribution system under the Surya water supply scheme, maintenance and repair of pumping houses, promotions of officials and financial aid to drought-hit farmers. It is said that most of these proposals had been passed before the scuffle, while some items were discussed even after the uproar.
Congress corporators objected to the business being finished quickly. Opponents say that when large expenditure is approved, there should be discussion and the administration should give the necessary clarifications. On the other hand, BJP corporators' group leader Hasmukh Gehlot claimed in the house that business was not being rushed through. According to him, decisions are being taken on the items so that the administration's work moves ahead on time and quickly.
