Latest news with #PunjabMunicipalCorporationAct
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ballot days over, a show of hands now to decide fate of MC elections
Chandigarh: In a move that could dramatically reshape the city's political landscape, Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has approved a game-changing amendment to the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Starting with the 2026 mayoral elections, the mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor will be elected not by secret ballot — but by a show of hands. "This change will strengthen democratic processes and make elected representatives more accountable," Kataria said while sharing the late-evening development. Since the municipal corporation's inception in 1996, mayoral elections have been conducted via secret ballot, a system that has often led to cross-voting, party defections, and behind-the-scenes deals. The new method will make every vote visible and traceable, reducing the scope for manipulation. An official communication from the Chandigarh administration said this amendment was first passed in the house meeting of the MC. "It was proposed under the legal powers granted by Section 398(2) of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 (as extended to the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the Chandigarh UT Act, 1994). The proposal was then sent to the administrator for approval, which has now been formally granted," the administration said. Earlier this year, Kataria had directed the deputy commissioner's office to draft an amendment in applicable law to allow voting by a show of hands instead of the previous system of secret ballots. Following this, deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav sent the proposal to higher officers for consideration. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cong, AAP welcome move Congress and AAP have welcomed the decision to allow voting in the mayoral elections by a show of hands. "We thank the administrator for this bold step. The Chandigarh Congress and MP Manish Tewari have been constantly demanding this. This will pave way for cleaner politics and will help enhance the image of the Chandigarh municipal corporation and its councillors, who have constantly faced charges of horse trading," said Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky. Lucky further demanded implementation of the anti-defection law in the MC. AAP Chandigarh president Vijaypal Singh said this historic step will ensure greater transparency, accountability, and integrity in the functioning of the municipal corporation. The move will not only act as a check on corruption, but will also ensure that no elected representative can betray the trust of their voters. 2024: A Turning Point The push for reform gained momentum after the controversial mayoral election in 2024, when Anil Masih, a nominated councillor and presiding officer, was caught on camera invalidating eight votes cast for AAP-Congress alliance candidate Kuldeep Kumar. The Supreme Court later called it a "murder of democracy", overturned the results, and declared Kumar the rightful winner—marking the rise of Chandigarh's first non-BJP, non-Congress mayor. This scandal not only triggered nationwide outrage but also led to a resolution in October 2024, passed by the MC House under then mayor Kuldeep Kumar, demanding open voting in future elections. 2025: Cross-Voting Strikes Again Despite the Supreme Court refusing to intervene in January 2025, the BJP managed to clinch the mayoral seat through cross-voting, gaining support from three opposition councillors. The current Mayor, Harpreet Kaur Babla, won under this cloud of controversy and lacks a clear majority. It's advantage for Cong-AAP With the Congress-AAP alliance now holding a majority in the 36-member House, the new voting method could tilt the balance of power in their favour, making future cross-voting nearly impossible.
NDTV
15 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Elections To Chandigarh Mayoral Polls Can Now Be Held By Show Of Hands
Chandigarh: Election to the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation can now be held by a show of hands instead of a secret ballot. Punjab Governor and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, on Tuesday approved an amendment to Regulation 6 of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996. "With this amendment, the mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor will now be elected through a show of hands instead of the earlier secret ballot method," said an official statement here. Kataria said the new system will bring greater transparency in the election process and make the role of elected representatives clearer and accountable. He expressed hope that this change will help improve the functioning and governance of the municipal corporation and will further strengthen trust in democratic processes. The amendment was earlier passed in the House meeting of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. It was proposed under the legal powers granted by Section 398(2) of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 (as extended to the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the Chandigarh UT Act, 1994). The proposal was then sent to the Administrator for approval, which has now been formally granted. A controversy had erupted during the 2024 mayoral polls when the then presiding officer, Anil Masih, was caught on camera invalidating eight ballot papers which were in favour of the AAP-Congress. The matter had then reached the Supreme Court, which overturned the result of the Chandigarh mayoral poll in which the BJP candidate had won. The apex court declared AAP's Kuldeep Kumar the mayor of the Chandigarh MC. Meanwhile, Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky welcomed the decision and thanked the Administrator for this step. He said the Chandigarh Congress and MP Manish Tewari had been demanding for allowing voting by showing of hands. "This will pave the way for cleaner politics and help in enhancing the image of Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh and its councillors who constantly face charges of horse trading," he said in a statement.
Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
In a step towards accountability, now Chandigarh mayoral polls be held via show of hands
In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in the election process, the mayoral elections in Chandigarh will now be held through an open voting system — by a show of hands — instead of the long-followed secret ballot method. The decision comes after Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria approved an amendment to the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996. Under the newly amended Regulation 6, the elections for the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor of Chandigarh will now be conducted in the House by visible hand-raising. Kataria emphasised that this reform would ensure more transparent governance by holding elected representatives publicly accountable for their votes, while also streamlining the electoral process. The amendment was proposed and passed by the Municipal Corporation House and is empowered by Section 398(2) of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, as extended to the Union Territory through the UT Act of 1994. This change follows a controversial 2024 mayoral election in which the presiding officer, Anil Masih — a nominated councillor — was caught on camera tampering with votes to benefit BJP's candidate Manoj Sonkar over the AAP-Congress nominee Kuldeep Kumar. The incident, condemned by the Supreme Court as a 'murder of democracy,' led to a historic verdict declaring Kumar the rightful mayor, giving Chandigarh its first non-BJP, non-Congress mayor. Following the debacle, Kumar, as Mayor, led a House resolution in October 2024 advocating a move to open voting. He even filed a petition in the Supreme Court before the 2025 elections requesting to replace secret ballots with a show of hands. While the court declined to intervene, it allowed the administration to take a call. The 2025 elections again saw controversy with BJP winning through alleged cross-voting from opposition councillors. With the new system in place, such behind-the-scenes vote manipulations will be significantly harder, as councillors will now cast votes in full public view — mirroring how other resolutions in the House are passed. The move aligns Chandigarh with several other municipalities adopting open voting mechanisms to strengthen democratic accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky welcomed the decision and thanked the Administrator for this step. He said the Chandigarh Congress and MP Manish Tewari had been demanding for allowing voting by showing of hands. 'This move will pave the way for cleaner politics and help in enhancing the image of Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh and its councillors who constantly face charges of horse trading,' he said in a statement (With PTI inputs)
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: MC issues 68 notices to clear encroachments
Acting on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana high court (HC), the Ludhiana district administration has taken a major step forward in addressing alleged illegal encroachments over a rainwater drain in the Karabara area. The action comes in response to a contempt petition filed in connection with the case. On May 8, a joint team of officials from the revenue department and the Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) conducted a GPS-based demarcation survey of land falling under Khasra Number 100/1 in the Karabara locality. The land, spread over 78 kanal and 2 marla, is officially recorded as a natural drain (gair-mumkin nala) as per 1959-60 land records. A detailed report along with a demarcation map jointly signed by the tehsildar, kanungo, patwari, building inspector, and draftsman has been submitted to the concerned authorities for legal proceedings under HC case CM-22109-C11-2024, COCP No. 3032 of 2023 in CWP No. 15617 of 2023 (Jaswinder Singh vs Surbhi Malik, DC Ludhiana). In a follow-up, MC has issued 68 notices (copy with HT) to owners of buildings constructed over the drain, asking them to provide legal documents such as sanctioned maps, sale deeds, and proof of ownership. The notices clearly state that failure to submit relevant documents within seven days will result in legal action under Sections 246 and 269(1) of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act. Officials said the GPS survey found several unauthorised constructions, and the matter is now being processed strictly as per legal provisions. The move is being seen as a step in the right direction to prevent further encroachments on natural drainage systems a key concern in urban flooding during the monsoon. Sources in the administration confirmed that HC's monitoring has brought new urgency to the case, and further enforcement actions will be taken based on the submitted report. While residents affected by the notices have been asked to clarify their positions, the administration maintains that the drive is focused on restoring natural water channels and ensuring public safety.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Chandigarh admn reduces hiked property tax for current fiscal after public outcry
In a major relief to homeowners and business owners across the city, the Chandigarh Administration Wednesday announced a reduction in the property tax rate for the assessment year 2025-26. The decision came a day after the Chandigarh mayor and former mayors met the UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria over the hiked property tax and protests by Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). The Chandigarh Administration notification on the revised property tax rates reads: 'In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of Section 90 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 as extended to UT Chandigarh and in partial modification of notification dated March 31, 2025, the Administrator, Union Territory Chandigarh is pleased to allow amendment in the property tax chargeable on commercial, industrial, institutional and residential lands and buildings in Chandigarh to be levied by the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of Section 90 of the Act.' The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) first introduced a 3 per cent property tax on the annual rateable value (ARV) of commercial, industrial and institutional lands and buildings in 2004. Later, in 2015, the tax was extended to residential properties. Since then, there had been no revision in the rates. Previously, the administration in its notification had announced the property tax rates effective from April 1, wherein residential property owners would face a threefold increase, while commercial property tax rates were doubled. As per the Administration's previous notification, commercial and industrial properties would be charged 6 per cent of the annual rateable value (ARV) for 2025-2026, whereas, as per revised rates announced, 5 per cent of the ARV would be charged. Welcoming the notification, Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, said, 'The decision brings much-needed relief to the citizens and business community of Chandigarh. We welcome the decision made by the Chandigarh Administration to reduce the increased property tax rates for the assessment year 2025-26.' 'This significant move has been made possible due to the continuous and dedicated efforts of the BJP and ours. We persistently raised the issue of the steep property tax hike, voicing the concerns of the common people and tirelessly advocating for their financial well-being. The matter was taken up at multiple levels, with continuous dialogue and meetings involving residents, traders, public representatives and the Chandigarh Administration,' the mayor added. Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari said, 'Property Taxes were levied without any structured consultation with public representatives or the people of Chandigarh acting through their respective Resident Welfare Associations. The tax proposals were never placed before or deliberated by the House Tax Committee or the General House of the Municipal Corporation…This band-aid approach of first levying taxes and rolling them back partially is the antithesis of healthy democratic functioning. 'The fundamental issue is what are the principles or the formula by which funds are devolved by the Chandigarh Administration to the Municipal Corporation. The Congress demands the complete rollback of the property tax levied, and 30 per cent of the funds received by the Chandigarh Administration vide the Union budget must be an automatic pass-through to the Municipal Corporation without any let or hindrance, as is the norm laid down by various Finance Commissions,' Tewari added. Chandigarh AAP president Vijay Pal said, 'We had opposed a three-time hike in the property tax by the Chandigarh Administration with the internal consent of the BJP. Powers invested in representatives of the city councillors were rejected by bureaucrats of the administration, with the hidden support of the ruling party. AAP had to approach the high court against the dictator's decision. Now, they are fooling people of the City by a marginal reduction in illegally imposed property tax, which is just an eye-wash, the public will revert to their so-called gift at the right opportunity in due course.' Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee president H S Lucky said, 'The party demands complete rollback of the increased property tax as it was increased arbitrarily without following the due procedure and against public sentiment. This reduction has also happened because of the sustained pressure built by the Chandigarh Congress and the general public. The BJP and the Chandigarh Administration were on the back foot because of the continuous agitation launched by the Congress.'
