Patiala MC nod to bringing Urban Estate under its jurisdiction

The Municipal Corporation during its General House meeting today passed an agenda to constitute a committee to assimilate all four phases of the Urban Estate under its jurisdiction.

At present, the Patiala Urban Planning and Development Authority is responsible for maintaining roads and parks in the Urban Estate.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor from Ward No 41, Anuj Khosla, raised the issue of the growing stray cattle menace in the city. He sought government jobs for the next of kin of Paramjit Singh and Babblu, both of whom were killed in stray cattle attacks at Alipur Ariyan Chowk on July 17 and 19, respectively.

Khosla criticised the MC for collecting substantial cow cess revenue but doing “precious little” for cattle management. He accused MC officials of being “hand-in-glove” with ruling party leaders to change land use (CLU) designations—turning roads in residential areas into commercial zones to benefit a handful of politicians who had purchased land at cheaper rates.

He also demanded a probe into the sale of plots, laying of sewerage, installing of electricity meter, on nine acres of Kaulan Wala Toba land, pointing out that development work in and around the Toba area cannot proceed as the matter is sub judice.

The MC has also given a nod to the Rs 1.83 cr street light monitoring project has also been given a green signal during.

Caps ‘shagun’ amount for eunuchs

The House also fixed the “shagun” amount to be given to eunuchs (transgender individuals) visiting homes after weddings or childbirth. As per the resolution, the amount is capped at Rs 3,100 for weddings and Rs 2,100 for the birth of a child.

The civic body next plans to write to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to ensure proper enforcement of the decision. Residents can approach the Municipal Corporation or the police if charged more than the prescribed amount.

Municipal Commissioner Paramvir Singh, Mayor Kundan Gogia and other MC officials besides MC councillor were also present during the general house meeting.

Chandigarh