The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering the option of broadcasting its general body meetings live. This initiative, aimed at enhancing accountability and fostering transparency, has been proposed by the Shiv Sena (UBT) party.
The suggestion, put forward by Shraddha Jadhav, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a former Mayor of Mumbai, is expected to be discussed within the civic body later this month. In her motion dated March 23, Jadhav emphasized that, despite being the largest municipal corporation in Asia, the BMC’s operations lack sufficient public visibility.
She pointed out that during general and special meetings, matters that significantly influence citizens’ daily lives are deliberated upon. Therefore, Jadhav stressed the necessity to present these discussions to the public to enhance citizen engagement and awareness regarding the functioning of the civic body. Her notice proposes that the BMC should implement live telecasts and recordings of its proceedings, similar to the practices of the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assembly.
Jadhav further stated that if this initiative is put into action, it would significantly improve administrative transparency and accountability.
The proposal will be presented for discussion later this month and must receive a formal vote for approval. Each month, 227 elected representatives, along with 10 nominated corporators, gather in the BMC’s heritage hall located in Fort to address public concerns and formulate policies for the city. Additionally, corporators participate in four statutory committees: standing, education, improvement, and BEST committees, which meet weekly or bi-weekly to discuss budget approvals, land development projects, and civic educational services, as well as BEST operations. Various local issues, including water supply, road maintenance, legal matters, market regulations, fire services, and healthcare provisions, are also addressed in the proceedings of six special committees ranging from the works committee to the women and child welfare committee.
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