NMC’s plan too is affected due to MLC election ahead.
Nagpur: As Electoral Code of Conduct has become applicable to MLC elections to be held in seven cities across the state, the municipal coporations of three cities—Nagpur, Mumbai and Solapur, which were going ahead with smart city proposals, have become upset. The proposals of smart city were to be sent to the Centre latest by December 15 to seek its approval. Now all the three MCs are in state of fix.
It may be mentioned that as many as 10 cities across the state have been selected for making smart cities. Of them, 3 cities, Nagpur, Mumbai and Solapur are to face MLC elections, and the state election commission has already promulgated Electoral Code of Conduct on them from November 24. All these three cities were going to complete the last phase of seeking public opinion on various counts.
NMC was ready to seek public opinion on its Phase II (B) drive on Nov 26 and 27 while its Phase-I had already received a good response of citizens in terms their suggestions and opinions on various counts, among which the need of cleanliness and garbage management were on top of the agenda. After finalization of Phase-II drive, the Centre was to be intimated to seek its approval on the submitted parameters for a smart city.
The MLC elections are to be held on December 27— in Mumbai for 2 seats; Solapur and Nagpur one seat each. In such a situation of promulgated code of conduct, the MCs cannot get the proposals for smart city passed in their respective houses.
NMC Commissioner Shravan Hardikar: The concept of smart city is a national policy, but due to code of conduct nothing can be done; its process is held up. The proposal for smart city cannot be tabled in the House right now. As December 15 is the last date for submitting the proposal to the Central government, an attempt can be made by writing to the state government to seek special permission; that is all.
