Gurugram to empower RWAs with greater control over civic services
Highlighting community participation as the key to resolving Gurugram’s civic challenges, newly appointed Municipal Commissioner Ashok Garg has announced that residents will soon have greater control over local services.
In an exclusive conversation with The Tribune, Garg shared that the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is working on a plan to empower Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) with increased authority. The RWAs will not only manage sanitation services, but will also oversee development projects, with contractor payments linked to a satisfaction certificate issued by these associations.
“The aim is to decentralise power and empower the community,” Garg said. “We trust the people, and RWAs understand the specific needs and service gaps in their areas. As part of this plan, they will be essential to the civic ecosystem of their neighbourhoods,” he added.
Garg explained that RWAs would supervise sanitation staff and be actively involved in other infrastructure projects such as road repairs, sewerage maintenance and drain cleaning. Their feedback will influence contractor assessments, payments and contract renewals, ensuring accountability in service delivery.
Since taking office, Garg has emphasised hands-on leadership, mandating at least one hour of field visits daily for all officials, including Joint Commissioners. These officials are now expected to patrol their jurisdictions, meet regularly with RWAs and citizen groups, and prepare actionable field reports.
“We want to be proactive, not just respond to complaints. Our officers will be on the ground, observing, addressing issues directly, and collaborating with RWAs. Gurugram’s civic situation requires this on-ground approach, and all officers will be out in their areas for at least an hour every day,” Garg said.
