Mumbai is considering the introduction of a team of 50 young ‘civic fellows’ from Generation Z to monitor issues such as potholes, waste management, and transportation deficiencies throughout the city. These individuals would be equipped with mobile applications and receive stipends as part of a pilot initiative aimed at enhancing oversight and expediting repairs within the various municipal wards.
The initiative, known as the ‘Mayor Next Gen Civic Fellows Programme’, has been proposed by Tejinder Singh Tiwana, a corporator from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This proposal is scheduled for discussion by the general body panel later this month.
In a notice dated February 23, Tiwana emphasized the need for innovative solutions to address urban issues, including road conditions, waste collection and segregation, public transport, and overall sanitation in Mumbai. He suggested that the program would engage 50 educated and trained individuals aged between 18 and 25 as interns, thus bringing fresh perspectives to the city’s administrative processes.
Tiwana stated, “The initiative aims to enhance the monitoring of civic services while involving young people in administrative tasks, improving both efficiency and transparency within the civic framework. The interns would receive a stipend as compensation for their contributions.”
The proposal suggests a pilot implementation in ten city wards, where the interns would focus on inspections and report submissions. Complaints could be submitted to relevant municipal officials through a mobile application, which would significantly accelerate the resolution of civic issues. Tiwana urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to adopt this pilot project to fully engage Mumbai’s youth in civic operations.
This proposal has been submitted to the civic general meeting and is set to be reviewed later this month. If approved, it will be further examined by municipal authorities for implementation.
Tiwana’s initiative follows remarks made by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde during her inaugural speech on February 11, where she highlighted plans to initiate a Gen Z internship program to boost youth involvement in policy-making and city administration.
Additionally, earlier this year, ahead of civic elections, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam had also proposed a plan to incorporate 50 interns in the city to enhance civic governance and oversight.
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