Opposition councillors have raised strong objections as the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has failed to convene a General House meeting for over a month. The last meeting was held on April 8, and since then, no session has taken place.
Postponement Due to Boycott Threat
A General House meeting was scheduled for the last week of May but was postponed after several councillors threatened to boycott it. The dispute arose over the termination of the contract of Lion Services Limited, which provides sanitation services in the southern sectors of Chandigarh. Councillors alleged that the Municipal Commissioner terminated the contract despite opposition from elected representatives and ignored their decision. Following the controversy, the Mayor postponed meetings of both the Finance and Contract Committee and the General House.
Concerns Over Development Projects
Former Senior Deputy Mayor and Ward No. 24 councillor Jasbir Singh Bunty expressed serious concern over the failure to hold House meetings. He stated that this is affecting several important development projects in the city and that many public-interest issues remain pending. Bunty emphasized that MC House meetings are the cornerstone of democratic governance, where proposals related to city development, infrastructure, and public welfare are discussed and decisions are taken. Due to the absence of meetings for several months, many projects and development works await approval, directly impacting residents.
Bunty noted that in the past, a lack of financial resources was often cited as a reason for delays in development projects. However, the MC currently has sufficient funds available. Despite this, the delay in development projects due to the failure to convene a House meeting reflects administrative failure. He urged Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to issue directions for convening a MC House meeting at the earliest so that pending proposals can be approved and stalled projects expedited.
Political and Administrative Reasons Blamed
Bunty said the MC’s primary objective is to provide better facilities to citizens and ensure the city's development. It is unfortunate that development projects are currently being hampered due to political and administrative reasons. He demanded immediate intervention and necessary action from the administration.
Yogesh Dhingra, an AAP councillor, alleged that the ruling party was avoiding questions from opposition councillors regarding stalled development works. He claimed that road repair work had come to a halt due to a shortage of bitumen.
Advocate Ajay Jagga stated: "Section 52 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, as extended to the Union Territory of Chandigarh by Act No. 45 of 1994, expressly mandates that the Municipal Corporation shall hold at least one meeting every month for the transaction of its business. The use of the word 'shall' makes the provision mandatory. Failure to convene a monthly meeting defeats the statutory scheme of democratic municipal governance and prevents the elected body from scrutinising municipal administration. The sufferers are the residents of Chandigarh, as development has been badly affected."
Mayor's Response
When contacted, Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi said he had to postpone the last House meeting because some councillors decided to boycott it in protest against the Commissioner's decision. He added that two joint commissioners and the chief engineer are currently on leave. The meeting will be held soon after they return. Meanwhile, work on development-related agendas is continuing.
