Chandigarh: Mayor Babla about to complete 6 months, House to take up key proposals today
Elected on January 30 this year, Mayor Babla's leadership will be under close watch as several important agenda items, some new and some recurring are set to be tabled amid growing pressure from both the public and opposition parties.
One of the most significant proposals up for discussion for Tuesday meeting is a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society) to implement a 'rent-a-roof' rooftop solar model on nearly 100 buildings within MC jurisdiction. Under this first-time proposal, private developers will install and maintain solar panels at their own expense, and in turn, pay periodic rent to the corporation — projected to earn the MC around Rs 40 lakh annually. The initiative aims to promote clean energy while also supporting the financially stressed civic body.
For improving tax compliance, the House will also take up the question seeking list of Chandigarh's top 20 property tax defaulters.
Another recurring issue returning to the House agenda is the revised policy for community centre usage. The proposal includes new guidelines for free use by Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, checks on noise pollution during events, and stricter audit protocols. Initially reviewed by a committee, the policy is being placed before the House again for final debate and approval.
The civic body is also planning to launch a public-private partnership model to run gyms and fitness centres in 29 community centres, with private operators to be awarded three-year renewable contracts. While the concept has been discussed previously, this marks the first formal tabling of a detailed execution plan.
Meanwhile, ahead of the House session, a pre-House meeting was convened Monday at the BJP Chandigarh state office, Kamlam, Sector 33, under the leadership of state president Jitender Pal Malhotra. The meeting was attended by state vice-president Davinder Babla, Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, general secretary Sanjeev Rana, and all BJP councillors. The discussions focused on finalising the party's strategy for the House, with emphasis on prioritising public issues, ensuring assertive participation, and communicating the BJP's civic policies effectively during the proceedings.
The House meeting comes at a time when the corporation is struggling financially, and repeated Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) meetings have failed to approve new development projects due to budgetary constraints. Opposition councillors have criticised the ruling party for stalled projects, sanitation concerns, and poor infrastructure management across the city.
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