Code of conduct halts all works in city

A little over two weeks since the model code of conduct for the upcoming municipal polls was enforced, Delhiites and MCD councillors have started seeing its effect. HT reports.

A little over two weeks since the model code of conduct for the upcoming municipal polls was enforced, Delhiites and MCD councillors have started seeing its effect.

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Any kind of development work be it repairing roads, drain covering or construction work at school has come to a halt across the city. Even works that have been tendered have been put on hold to avoid violation of the code.

Manish Gupta, additional commissioner (Engineering), during Monday's standing committee meeting said only projects for which work order has already been given are being implemented. "Implementing tendered work will lead to violation of code of conduct and so they have been kept on hold," he said.

Gupta was replying to queries from members of the committee. Suman Kumar Gupta, the councillor from Chandni Chowk, complained about works related to roads and development having been stopped in his ward, upsetting local residents. Other councillors also spoke up.

After listening to the complaints, Sarita Chaudhury, deputy chairman of the committee, directed the executive wing of the corporation to expedite the projects for which work order has been given. While the committee passed several proposals for development during the meeting, none of them will be implemented owing to the code of conduct.

"For councillors, it is a matter of much concern as this is the time when we appease the public. But currently we won't be able to entertain public complaints and since the MCD takes care of works that are most important for a city such as sanitation, roads and even schools, people will suffer," said a councillor.