In a latest development, the Maharashtra government has decided to appoint an administrator to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as the term of its house ends on March 7.
However, for this, the state government will amend the Mumbai Municipal Act 1888, because currently there is no such provision.
This decision was taken after the confirmation about the delay in the BMC polls, which were likely to be held in March-April this year.
According to an official statement released by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the State Election Commission (SEC) has informed the government that the polls won’t be held before the expiry of the term because of the pandemic and the increase in number of civic wards.
The restructuring of wards is still in process, and the administration has invited suggestions and objections from the public and political parties. “In view of the situation, the SEC has suggested appointing the administrator,” read the note.
The Cabinet has approved the amendment, and it will be taken up in the budget session beginning February 28. It is pertinent to note that elected representatives cease to hold the executive powers once the administrator takes over.
Moreover, it has come to light that other poll-bound municipal and local bodies will also get an administrator. The laws governing them have the provision, and in some bodies, the bureaucrats have replaced the political heads. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has its commissioner in charge of all affairs for long, because the elections could not be held.
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