UT, MC division of functions leave residents flummoxed

The division of functions between the Administration and Municipal Corporation are such that even pests have not been spared. While the process of transfer of more functions to the Municipal Corporation from the UT Administration is on, ambiguities in the divisions of the existing functions have left residents flummoxed.

The Corporation came into existence in 1995 under the the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act. The elected body took over in 1996 and functions were divided between the civic body and Administration. The ambiguity though persists.

So much so that even roads of Chandigarh are classified into seven categories, known as the system of 7 Vs. While roads from V1 to V3 and V7 are maintained by the Administration, V4 to V6 are under the charge of the Corporation.

The division of roads further leads to division of other functions. The trees on V1 to V3 roads are the responsibility of the Administration and so is the construction waste lying on these roads. However, the trees on V4 to V6 roads are looked after by the MC.

Another grey area concerns the streetlights. The overhead wires come under the purview of the Administration, while those which are underground are maintained by the MC. 

The city is dotted by numerous gardens. These, too, are divided between the two authorities. The residents, meanwhile, are left in the lurch not knowing which door to knock in case of a problem.

Municipal Councillor, Dr A P Sanwaria, says, “When the pest control department was transferred to the MC, the malaria wing was kept out of it. That is why the civic body is responsible for all other pests, but complaints about mosquitoes cannot be entertained. We understand that the people suffer due to these divisions.”

Elected representatives have been raising the demand for transfer of more functions to the civic body under the provisions of the 74th amendment. Some progress has been made and efforts have been made to transfer departments like primary schools, primary health and gardens to the civic body. All V3 roads are also to be transferred to the MC

The councillors, too, seem clueless about the division, and find it difficult to address the problems of people. Mayor Anu Chatrath recalls when she had been elected as councillor for the first time, she had problem remembering the divisions. “It took me some time to remember the division of functions. We are hopeful with more functions transferred to the Municipal Corporation, the ambiguities would end,” she said.