Published On : Fri, Feb 12th, 2016

Wordy duels mark debate over vital issues in NMC’s GBM; Standing Committee gets 9 new members

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NMC picNagpur: The General Body Meeting (GBM) of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), held on Friday (February 12) at Mahal-based Raje Raghojirao Bhonsale Nagarbhavan (Town Hall), turned out be a stormy affair on expected line. The meet witnessed wordy duels between ruling and opposition benches during discussion on various contentious issues. The GBM also saw nine new members being appointed on Standing Committee.

Today, the GBM was scheduled to start at 11 am but due to lack of quorum the House was adjourned twice for a brief period and a third time for longer duration after condolence resolution. Later, during Question Hour, BSP Corporator Murlidhar Meshram raised the issue of repairs and maintenance of dilapidated Phule Market building and depriving of basis facilities to shopkeepers there and citizens visiting the market. Taking the matter seriously, the Mayor directed the NMC administration to take up the repairs immediately and also come out with a plan regarding appropriate plan on the revenue generating building.

During the congratulatory resolution, the House greeted Nisha Thakre who was appointed member of State Women’s Commission and Vijay Barse for becoming President of Maharashtra Handball Association.

Thereafter, the Leader of Opposition Vikas Thakre tried to corner NMC Administration by raising the issue of hawker problem on Sitabuldi Main Road. The Mayor responded by directing the administration to speedily complete the proposed hawker zone at Netaji Market but following the directives of Supreme Court in this connection.

BJP’s Prakash Totwani raised the issue pertaining to lakes/tanks in city and demanded increasing of new water sources of these lakes and tanks and using the water for the benefit of NMC as well as city.

However, the concerned officials were found wanting in replying the issues satisfactorily. The officials further said that since permission was granted for fishery business in Ambazari and Gorewada lakes the NMC is receiving revenue in crores. They also said that if quality of water at other lakes is enhanced, permission for fishing can also granted at these lakes. Assurance was also given regarding initiating measures for developing tourism at Ambazari lake soon. The Mayor directed the officials to take steps to enhance quality of water at the lakes.

Another BJP member Pravin Bhisikar put the NMC administration on the edge by raising the issue of permission granted by Hot Mix Department Reliance and other companies for laying of optical fibre network by from the year 2013 to 2016. Bhisikar charged the companies of digging up several roads carelessly as well as illegally and smell high-level of corruption in the entire process. The Municipal Commissioner and other officials were found struggling to give satisfactory replies on the matter and thus left Bhisikar furious. Moreover, the Leader of Opposition Vikas Thakre also camer out in support of Bhisikar and said sarcastically that if this the state of affairs over the issue raised by a ruling party member then what would be in store for an opposition member. The Mayor directed the officials to take up the matter seriously and come prepared to reply satisfactorily.

Later, the House unanimously authorized the Mayor to set up a committee for weaker sections of society. It is learnt that Raju Lokhande, a supporter of ruling party and a close aide of Chief Minister, could be made President of the Committee. On the other hand, Murlidhar Meshram was appointed member of Transport Committee on BSP’s behalf.

Congress member Abha Pande raised the issue of beautification of major squares, poor condition of installed statues and memorials as well as encroachments surrounding the places. The Mayor directed the administration to seek participation of citizens in maintaining the statues and memorials and need-based funds for the work. The Mayor also directed to set up a monitoring committee.

9 new members appointed on Standing Committee:
Four of the Standing Committee members namely Neeta Thakre, Kishore Dorle, Vishakha Maind and Kanta Rarokar, belonging to Nagpur Vikas Aghadi, are retiring on March 1, 2016. Hence Jagdish Gwalvanshi, Sangita Kalamkar, Sudhir Raut and Ramdas Gurdhe were appointed in their place. On the other hand, Purogami Lokshahi Aghadi’s Suresh Jagyasi, Ashrafu Nisha, Sanjay Mahakalkar and Kumudini Kaikade were appointed in place of Deepak Patel, Sandeep Sahare, Saraswati Salame, and Prerana Kapse. Apart from these appointments, NCP’s Raju Nagulwar was made member of the Standing Committee after resignation of Kamil Ansari. The present Deputy Mayor Munna Pokulwar, Anil Dhawde, Ashvini Jichkar and wife of Sanjay Tiwari will be among seven remaining members. If everything goes according to the plan, a Shiv Sena Corporator could replace Pokulwar as Deputy Mayor in view of next year’s NMC election. Sena’s Bandu Talvelkar could hold the post, it is learnt.

– Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha ( rajeev.nagpurtoday@gmail.com )