Gurgaon MCG Councillors Demand Monthly Meetings, Threaten Budget Approval
In a significant development following a recent report highlighting procedural lapses, councillors of the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) have demanded strict adherence to monthly House meetings as mandated by law. During a special budget meeting held on Wednesday, the councillors issued a clear ultimatum: they would approve the budget only after the mayor announces a concrete date for the next general House meeting.
Councillors Voice Concerns Over Irregular Meetings
The councillors' demands come approximately five days after a Times of India report revealed that only three MCG House meetings were conducted throughout the entire previous year. This revelation has sparked serious concerns about compliance with statutory provisions governing municipal operations in Haryana.
Ward 2 councillor Jyotsna Yadav questioned the irregularity during the meeting, stating: "Why aren't House meetings held regularly every month as per the mandate? When it was decided in the last meeting that regular meetings would be conducted, why were they not implemented?"
Ward 34 councillor Surekha Chauhan emphasized the practical importance of these gatherings: "House meetings should be held regularly so that we can raise issues concerning our respective wards. Officials are also present in these meetings, which helps in resolving ward-level problems effectively."
Legal Mandate and Transparency Concerns
According to Section 52 of the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, and Section 25 of the Haryana Municipal Act, 1973, municipal houses are legally required to convene at least one meeting every month to conduct official business. The recent report indicated that of the three meetings held last year, one was a special session in April specifically convened to approve the budget for the current financial year.
MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya supported the councillors' position, highlighting the public's expectation for transparency: "People want to know what their councillors have to say and what work is being carried out in their areas. This level of transparency and accountability is only possible when House meetings are conducted every month as required by law."
Mayor's Response and Future Meetings
In response to the mounting pressure, mayor Raj Rani Malhotra addressed the concerns during the meeting: "Let us fix a date for April's meeting according to everyone's availability." The next general House meeting, which will discuss issues from all wards, has been scheduled for April 7.
The councillors' collective stance represents a significant push for greater accountability within MCG's administrative framework. By linking budget approval to the scheduling of regular meetings, they have created substantial leverage to ensure compliance with statutory requirements that have been neglected for too long.
This development underscores growing concerns about municipal governance in Gurgaon, where residents have increasingly demanded better representation and more transparent decision-making processes regarding civic matters affecting their daily lives.
