The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has successfully processed and issued mandatory 'no dues' certificates to a significant number of individuals aspiring to contest the upcoming civic polls. This procedural step, mandated by the State Election Commission, ensures all candidates have cleared their outstanding municipal dues before filing nominations.
Streamlined Process and Financial Windfall
In a focused drive over the last fortnight, the civic administration received applications from nearly 2,800 candidates seeking the crucial No Objection Certificate (NOC). To manage this high volume efficiently, the NMC implemented a single-window system, significantly streamlining the verification and issuance process.
The civic body undertook a thorough cross-verification for each applicant. Officials scrutinised reports from multiple departments including water tax, property tax, fire brigade, town planning, advertising, swimming pools, and auditoriums to confirm no pending liabilities.
This initiative proved financially beneficial for the municipal corporation. Beyond the application fee of Rs 600 per candidate, which netted approximately Rs 16.80 lakh, the NMC recovered a substantial sum in overdue payments. In total, the corporation collected over Rs 10 crore in settled property tax and other outstanding dues from the candidates during this 15-day period.
Surge in Candidates Compared to Previous Polls
The data reveals a notable increase in political participation for the Nashik civic elections. During the last civic polls in 2017, around 2,000 candidates had obtained the necessary NOCs from the municipal authority.
This time, the number has jumped to nearly 2,800, marking a significant increase of 40% in candidates seeking clearance to contest. This surge indicates heightened interest in the forthcoming electoral battle for control of the city's civic administration.
Election Schedule and Mandatory Compliance
As per the guidelines, submitting the 'no dues' certificate is a compulsory requirement for all aspirants when they file their nomination papers. This rule confirms that the candidate has no outstanding financial obligations to the municipal corporation, ensuring a level of fiscal responsibility among those seeking public office.
The elections for the 122 seats of the Nashik Municipal Corporation are scheduled to be held on January 15. The counting of votes and declaration of results will follow swiftly, taking place on January 16.
The entire exercise of issuing NOCs not only streamlined the pre-election process but also served as a major revenue recovery drive for the NMC, clearing long-pending dues while ensuring only those with a clean fiscal record with the civic body can enter the electoral fray.
