Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Faces Delays in Forming Key Sub-Committees
More than three months into its current tenure, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has yet to constitute its 12 essential sub-committees. These committees are crucial for scrutinizing and clearing development-related and policy matters before they are presented to the finance and contract committee (F&CC) or the general house.
Role and Importance of Sub-Committees
The sub-committees play a pivotal role in examining public issues and policy proposals, as well as approving works within their delegated financial powers. However, none of these committees—including three mandatory ones—have been established so far, leading to significant operational delays.
Mandatory Committees Under MC Rules
Out of the 12 sub-committees, three are mandatory under MC rules:
- Road Committee
- Water Supply and Sewerage Disposal Committee
- House Tax Assessment Committee
These committees are required to meet at least once a month and handle major civic and taxation-related matters. Except for the house tax assessment committee, the other two carry financial powers of up to Rs 25 lakh each.
Approval Process for Non-Mandatory Committees
While the mayor is authorized to constitute the three mandatory committees, the remaining nine sub-committees require the names of councillors to be forwarded by the mayor to the Punjab governor, in his capacity as UT administrator, for approval. These nine committees are still awaiting formation, further complicating the governance structure.
Impact on Civic Works and Decentralized Clearance
Several of the non-mandatory sub-committees also have financial powers and are meant to clear smaller development works and monitor their execution. In the absence of these panels, even routine and low-value agenda items are being placed before the finance and contract committee. This has increased its workload and delayed the processing of proposals, affecting the decentralized clearance mechanism that helps speed up civic works.
List of Other MC Sub-Committees Awaiting Formation
- Sanitation Committee
- Environment and City Beautification Committee
- Electricity Committee
- Fire and Emergency Services Committee
- Apni Mandi and Day Market Committee
- Women Empowerment Committee
- Enforcement Committee
- Slum Colonies and Villages Development Committee
- Arts, Culture and Sports Committee
MC officials have expressed concern that the lack of sub-committees has hindered the efficient functioning of the municipal body, emphasizing the need for prompt action to restore normal operations and ensure timely development in Chandigarh.
