Mayor yet to form sub-panels to oversee work of civic body

More than two months after the last Municipal House meeting, the Mayor of Amritsar, Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia, is yet to form the essential sub-committees that play a vital role in monitoring and improving the functioning of the civic body. Only one MC General House meeting has been held and a second session has not been held either.

Sources say that without the formation of sub-committees, the administration is functioning on autopilot. These sub-panels are crucial in curbing irregularities, as they provide checks and balances through direct involvement of committee chairpersons. The elected representatives keep a check on the functioning of various MC departments through these committees. Once established, any departmental proposal must receive the sub-committee’s approval before moving forward. Their absence not only hampers transparency but also weakens councillor oversight on bureaucratic functioning.

Before the end of the previous House’s term in January 2023, the formation of committees such as water supply and public health had seen active participation from councillors lobbying for chairperson’s role. In stark contrast, the current term has seen reduced movement and interest at the Mayor’s office, as delays and factionalism have cast a shadow over governance.

Responding to the criticism, Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia stated that a decision on committee formation would be taken soon. “We will also consult the party high command. Sub-committees will soon be formed, chairpersons appointed and the House meeting convened. There is no infighting among AAP councillors, we are united,” he said.

Residents believe that the timely formation of sub-committees is essential to ensure efficient public service delivery, faster complaint resolution, and tighter administrative control.

The delay has been attributed to simmering discontent that arose after the formation of the Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) on May 1. The Mayor included two councillors from the east constituency in the six-member panel, a decision that allegedly sparked internal disagreement within the Aam Aadmi Party’s councillor ranks. Despite the controversy, the F&CC has cleared 16 out of 24 cases, mostly related to property tax, operations, and maintenance within just 22 days of its formation.

Amritsar