Press - Citizen's Charter Released

By A Staff  Reporter

Afternoon Despatch & Courier, June 07, 1999

The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) officially launched the Citizens' Charter at a function held aty Birla Kreeda Kendra, Chowpatty on Saturday.  Formed in collaboration with Praja, a voluntary organisation, the Citizen's Charter is a comprehensive document that provides citizens with information to facilitate speedy solutions to everyday civic problems.

Chief minister Narayan Rane who released the first copy, while appreciating the efforts, admitted that this was a drawback for the Corporation.  "It is every citizen's right to basic amenities.  After 50 years of independence, we are releasing this to tell people where to complain to tell people where to complain if they have a problem," he said.

"Often when we visit other cities, we compare them with Mumbai.  Why can't we have proper footpaths, better drainage systems, moe gardens and parks,  This book, no doubt presents excellent guidelines for eh citizen to improve life in teh city.", he beamed.

In his address, Mr. Hareshwar Patil, Mayor of Mumbai, said, "Every year, the mayor's office receives around 25,000 letters of complaints.  Not all can be dealt with imemdiately or have great results.  But we do try.  To speed up matters, we have set 16 ward committees in Mumbai where an excess of 10 lakh people could be benefitted."

Mr. B.G. Deshmukh, ex-municipal commissioner and ex-cabinet secretary, said "The Citizen's Charter is a collective commitment for an accountable and effective administration.  It is a two way commitment which binds a dutiful and respnsible, law abiding citizen."

Heaping encomiums on Praja, he said the organisation was a unique partnership with the MCGM and working with the NGO's and workers at the grassroot level.  It will ensure that people remain constantly connected with administration, he hoped.

Others present during the function included municipal commissioner K. Nalinakishan, noted jurist Nani Palkhivala, deputy mayor Dr. ram Barot and Praja representative Nitai Mehta.