Map for Silchar Municipal Corporation released amid debate

A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: The government notification releasing the diagram of the proposed Silchar Municipal Corporation had triggered another bout of controversy as a section of citizens as well as opposition parties alleged that the administration was intentionally trying to lessen the time period for filing objections or suggestions by the people. The notification was issued on September 28 and the last date for filing objection was October 12. But surprisingly the notification including the map of redesigned wards was not made public in proper manner. Puja holidays began on October 1 and government offices were yet to be in the functional mode. As per the government notification, the last date for submission of objection would end only in next two days, but a major section of citizens was unaware of the realignment of the wards.

The proposed map consists of 42 wards chopping off two more wards as suggested by the all party meetings. The proposed corporation would cover 69.49 sq.kilometers area. The population, as per 2011 census, of the proposed corporation would be 3,26,907 covering 54,518 households. Proposed revenue is estimated at Rs. 48,28,31,308.14. Sources said, the BJP had planned to register win at least in 37 out of 42 wards. Congress, on the other hand, alleged that the map of the proposed corporation was made to cater to the electoral design of the ruling party. Congress further said, the notification was issued by the government on September 28 but the district administration did not let anyone know about it before October 7.

Meanwhile, Proactive Senior Citizens' Forum had demanded publication of the proposed map in local dailies so that citizens might study and put forwards suggestions. Prof Dilip Kumar Dey, general secretary of the forum said, arbitrary inclusion and exclusion of areas by officials from outside Silchar or the State without consulting with the actual inhabitants was not at all desirable. The forum had sent its memorandum to the Chief Secretary.

Deputy Commissioner Rohan Kumar Jha in a press briefing on Monday evening said that the last day for claims and objection had been extended till 5 pm of October 22. Interested person might send their opinion or suggestions to the following email: smb1882@gmail.com.

Also Read:  Proposed Silchar Municipal Corporation to have 50 wards

Also Watch: