Bagbera Gram Sabha demands MLA funds for garbage lifting

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, April 10: Bagbera Colony and Bagbera Central panchayats jointly convened a Gram Sabha that was presided by Village Head Chunka Mardi. Deputy Chief Santosh Thakur conducted the proceedings. A large number of Panchayat representatives and villagers attended the Gram Sabha that was held at the Panchayat Bhawan.

The Sabha reviewed the letter issued by the BDO office under Jugsalai Municipal Council (JMC) and deliberated on the proposal of fixed payment from every household in Bagbera @ Rs 80 per month for removing garbage and other wastes.

Many local residents and Panchayat representatives opposed the move of charging Rs 80 per month per family for garbage clearance by the JMC. Panchayat Samiti member Sunil Gupta said, “In response to a question raised by MLA Sanjeev Sardar in the Vidhan Sabha regarding fund allocation under the 15 th Finance Commission, 50 percent of the sanctioned amount should be spent on sanitation related schemes including waste management.  In the light of this directive, I recommend my Panchayat Samiti member’s fund for garbage collection and request other Panchayat representatives to follow suit to meet the cost of garbage removal from Bagbera Colony.”

Gupta’s proposal came in for majority support including that of BJP leaders Harendra Singh and CSP Singh. Deputy Chief Dhananjay Singh said that it was not possible under any circumstance to dish out Rs 1.5 lakh as garbage collection fee per month in any other manner. Dhananjay Singh reasoned, “For this reason, the Minister concerned, MLA and Deputy Commissioner will have to be urged to allocate funds failing which, this scheme will remain a white elephant.”

A total of 14 proposals regarding the scheme of garbage clearance cost came up from the villagers in the Gram Sabha. Six persons opposed the proposals while seven persons supported them. One villagers could not make up his mind over tne proposals. In the absence of a clear consensus on the matter, it was decided to organize another Gram Sabha to reach a consensus on the issue. The vote of thanks was offered by Chief Uma Munda.