Nagpur: Tensions escalated at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Friday as four Congress corporators walked out of a Standing Committee meeting. Their departure was prompted by allegations of alterations to the minutes of proceedings and perceived discrimination in the distribution of development funds. The corporators expressed concerns that these changes undermined fair allocation practices, highlighting ongoing frustrations within the council regarding transparency and equity in funding decisions.
Congress Demands Clarity on Proposal Changes and Meeting Transparency
During a recent Standing Committee meeting, Jha raised concerns over the alteration of a proposal originally labeled ‘Prabhag 14’, which was later recorded as ‘Prabhag 14(A)’. He questioned whether the committee had officially sanctioned this change, and sought clarification on the authority of the chairperson to amend an approved proposal’s record under existing rules or bye-laws.
In addition, Congress members called for mandatory audio-video recording of all Standing Committee meetings. They argued that this measure is essential to prevent any potential tampering and to enhance transparency in the committee’s proceedings.
There should be no discrimination in the allocation of funds,” he said. Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare said the Congress members had arrived with a predetermined intention to create a ruckus, adding that she had tried to engage with them but they were unwilling to listen. She said she had directed the municipal secretary to ensure the minutes were provided to every member, and rejected the discrimination allegation, saying funds were being provided to all members equally. “If all the files come on the same day, it isn’t possible to approve them all at once,” she said.
“Development funds are not the property of any party or individual. They are the people’s money. The Congress members then walked out; the committee, however, continued its proceedings and approved various proposals.