M A I N   N E W S

Denied funds, Haryana mayors feel toothless
Bhanu P Lohumi/TNS

Major grouse Elected MC representatives claim all major decisions taken by the House have to be approved by the government Corporations lack administrative or financial powers despite 74th Constitutional Amendment providing for empowering urban local bodies Most corporations are cash starved as all major assets are directly under the government Urban local bodies look after urban planning, regulation of land use, water supply, roads and bridges, public health, urban forestry, etc.

Karnal/Panipat, September 12
A majority of newly elected mayors and councillors of municipal corporations in Haryana are unhappy with the lack of administrative or financial powers to corporations. While the 74th Constitutional Amendment provides for empowering urban local bodies, the provision has not been implemented on the ground.

Resolutions passed by a House have no meaning since every decision has to be ratified by the commissioner.

Most corporations are cash starved as all major assets are directly under the government. The writ of the corporation does not run in HUDA sectors. Mayors complain they have no work.

A mayor said proximity to the Chief Minister was crucial to ensuring a steady flow of funds for the development of their town.

“All is fine if you enjoy a good rapport with the Chief Minister. Otherwise you have to fend for yourself and face the wrath of the people,” said Faridabad Mayor Ashok Arora.

“All powers rest with the government, and councillors and mayor are just elected nominees with no powers.”

Urban local bodies have been entrusted with 18 functions in the 12th Schedule. These include urban planning, regulation of land use, water supply, roads and bridges, public health, urban forestry and other civic functions. But all major decisions taken by a House in respect of these functions have to be approved by the government.

Consequently, local bodies cannot mobilise resources, they lack assets to generate revenue and have to depend on the government for posting of officials. Most mayors say they do not even have powers to sanction purchase of newspapers for the office.

Panipat Mayor Bhupinder Singh said: “Forget about powers, we don’t even have staff to serve us water.”

While Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta claimed she had not been provided with a typist, steno or personal assistant, Yamunanagar civic body chief Saroj Bala said not a single penny had been set aside for sundry expenses.

“We are ineffective as all powers rest with the administration and no one listens to us,” said Ambala Mayor Ramesh Mal.

Rohtak Mayor Renu Dabla claimed councillors had not been sensitised about their powers, roles and duties.

Kurukshetra University former dean Prof Ranbir Singh said the real power of the mayor rested with administrators and politicians.

Hisar Mayor Shakuntala Rajaliwala, however, felt it was too early to complain as “we have just started and things will be on track with time”.