Executive wing takes election break

They are the only ones who are happy with the model code of conduct which came into force on March 5. With the last-minute rush to clear all pending projects and a spree of inaugurations over, the executive wing of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is now breathing easy. Neelam Pandey reports. Model rules

They are the only ones who are happy with the model code of conduct which came into force on March 5. With the last-minute rush to clear all pending projects and a spree of inaugurations over, the executive wing of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is now breathing easy.

With the code of conduct already in force, no new announcements, inauguration of new structure or policy decisions is being introduced. The Municipal councillors, who used to queue up outside the MCD offices to get their projects cleared, would not be able to do the same for more than a month.

“The past few months have been very hectic for us as every councillor wanted to get some or the other project cleared. Some wanted to get roads in their area repaired while others wanted the streetlights to be fixed. We have been working even on Saturdays to complete the work. Now that the code of conduct is in place, we will not be allowed to clear any new project or take any policy decision. It is a relief for us,” said a senior MCD official.

All the councillors who wanted to exhaust their municipal funds earmarked for carrying out various development works in their area, before the model code of conduct came into force, had been busy making rounds of zonal offices and headquarters of the MCD.

Municipal elections for the 272 wards will be held on April 15.

Till the code of conduct is in place, the executive wing will only carry out routine work such as demolition, sealing, providing sanitation services, among others.

In the mad rush to gain brownie points, the civic agency has cleared more than 200-odd development projects in the city in the past two weeks. The Standing Committee meeting, which is usually held once a week, took place twice last week to clear pending projects.