By Shyam Sundar Vattam
The role of aam janta is very important in democracy. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act has provision to constitute Ward Committees in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with more than three lakh population. The Ward Committees were expected to act as an institutional space for participation of citizens in matters of urban local governance. The purpose of Ward Committees is to involve local populace in governance. Efforts by many Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to have Ward Committees in their respective cities have been met with stiff opposition from Corporators as they see it as a stumbling block between them and ULB. In Mysuru, Dr. Bhamy V. Shenoy, a noted social activist and former Founding-Working President of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), has been working hard to create awareness among citizens on their rights. Talking to Star of Mysore, he expressed his unhappiness over delay in fulfilling the dream of Ward Committees in Mysuru. Excerpts. — Ed.
