BMC Plans to Deploy 50 GenZ Fellows for Monitoring Civic Issues in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering a pilot initiative to engage young citizens in urban governance through a proposed "Mayor Next Gen Civic Fellows Program". The programme aims to recruit around 50 individuals aged 18 to 25, bringing fresh perspectives and technological expertise into municipal administration.

The proposal, put forward by Tejinder Singh Tiwana of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), focuses on introducing innovative methods to monitor and address civic challenges such as road conditions, waste management, public transportation, and sanitation. It is expected to be discussed by the BMC’s general body later this month. If approved, the municipal administration will evaluate its implementation.

Under the plan, the selected “civic fellows” would conduct on-ground inspections across designated wards—initially proposed in 10 areas—and report issues like potholes, garbage accumulation, and transport gaps in real time using mobile applications. The initiative also includes providing stipends to participants, aiming to strengthen accountability and accelerate grievance redressal across the city.

The concept aligns with Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde’s earlier announcement about introducing a Gen Z internship programme to enhance youth participation in policymaking and governance processes.

In addition to civic infrastructure, the proposal also addresses public health concerns, particularly hereditary blood disorders such as Thalassemia and Hemophilia. Recognising the high cost of lifelong treatment, especially for economically vulnerable groups, the BMC plans to offer diagnostic and treatment services at subsidised rates in municipal hospitals. It also highlights the importance of pre-marital and pre-pregnancy screening to help prevent these conditions in newborns.

The Municipal Commissioner has been tasked with examining the feasibility and practicality of both the civic fellowship programme and the healthcare initiative, and to submit a detailed report outlining how these proposals can be effectively implemented.