HomeInfrastructureMaharashtra rejects Praja Foundations BMC report orders full inquiry

Maharashtra rejects Praja Foundations BMC report orders full inquiry

The Maharashtra state government has emphatically rejected a recent report by the Praja Foundation concerning the civic services provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This firm rebuttal, articulated in the state council, signals the government’s intent to launch an inquiry into the report’s findings, alongside a separate probe into alleged high-handedness by public toilet contractors, underscoring a critical focus on transparency and accountability in urban governance.

The controversy erupted after the Praja Foundation’s report highlighted significant disparities in the provision and quality of civic services, particularly concerning public sanitation and waste management. Shiv Sena UBT member Sunil Shinde raised the issue in the state council, citing the report’s claims that a substantial percentage of public toilets lacked basic amenities like water connections and power supply. Such deficiencies, if accurate, directly impede the city’s aspirations for gender-neutral and equitable access to essential urban infrastructure, affecting daily life for millions, especially in densely populated areas.

However, Minister Uday Samant, in his detailed reply, contended that the BMC’s records presented a starkly different picture, asserting that a much higher percentage of public toilets were indeed equipped with water and power connections. This divergence in data has prompted the government to initiate a thorough inquiry into the Praja report’s methodology and findings. The state’s commitment to providing 14,166 new public toilets under the Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan 2.0 and 500 urinals by the BMC further highlights the scale of its sanitation agenda.

Beyond the immediate dispute over statistics, the incident underscores the broader challenges in urban service delivery and the critical need for accurate, verifiable data to inform policy and public trust. BJP member Pravin Darekar’s demand for an inquiry into the Praja report’s findings, and crucially, into the firms engaged for the upkeep and maintenance of public toilets, points to a deeper concern about potential inefficiencies or malpractices within the civic service ecosystem. This dual investigation aims to ensure that public funds are utilised effectively and that citizens receive the services they are entitled to.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in a written reply, affirmed that the BMC is diligently addressing civic issues and delivering services as per established standards, with complaints resolved within 24 to 72 hours. While the Praja report indicated a 70 per cent increase in complaints across various civic domains, including solid waste management, water supply, and roads, the government’s counter-arguments emphasise its commitment to continuous improvement. This ongoing dialogue and the government’s decision to launch inquiries are crucial for fostering transparent governance and building truly sustainable, eco-friendly cities where public services meet the evolving needs of all residents.

Also Read: ED granted PMLA court approval to record Kadam’s statement in Mithi scam

Maharashtra rejects Praja Foundations BMC report orders full inquiry
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