Baramulla, Mar 4: The Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department has come up with a new initiative of community engagement and has asked the local heads of the Mohalla Committees in towns to submit works proposals to the concerned Municipal Committees (MCs) for execution of works plans for the financial year 2024-25.
In wake of this, the Executive Officer of MC Baramulla Naveed Hussain has issued a public notice and informed the concerned heads of the local communities that the MC Baramulla is mulling to formulate a comprehensive works plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
“And to achieve this, the general public should actively participate in the process,” reads a public notice.
The MC Baramulla has sought proposals from the residents of Baramulla, representations duly vetted by Mohalla presidents or any other registered forums. The MC Baramulla has urged the public to ensure timely submission of the works proposals which will ensure their inclusion in the planning process.
“The contributions of the general public plays a crucial role in shaping the future development initiatives of the Municipality,” the notice reads.
The Executive Officer has stated that the active participation of the residents and providing their insights will help the MC to create a well-rounded and inclusive plan for the fiscal year ahead.
The initiative to engage the public in the planning process has garnered support from all the stakeholders.
Director Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Mathura Masoom when contacted said that the initiative was adopted due to the recent expiration of the terms of all public representatives (Ward members and MC Presidents), leaving a void in the representation of the people.
“It was not possible for us to take up work on our own. We decided to engage heads of the Mohalla Committees who will submit the works proposal to the concerned Municipal Committees for their inclusion in the works plan for the current financial year,” Masoom told Greater Kashmir.
Notably, the five-year term of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) expired on November 5, 2023, while the terms of other urban local bodies (ULBs) in Kashmir expired between October 28 to December 26 of 2023.
“So, in the absence of elected representatives, we are seeking public input directly. We want to ensure that developmental works are executed as per the needs and priorities of the community, on merits,” Mathura Masoom told Greater Kashmir.