Port Blair, Mar 28 : The Central Government vide a notification on 26th March 2018 of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Municipal) Amendment Regulation, 2018 in the Gazette of India has amended the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Municipal) Regulation 1994.
The amendments have already come into effect from the date of Gazette notification i.e. 26th March 2018.
The amendments in the Municipal Regulations are the part of ongoing reform measures to ensure more efficient, effective, accountable and transparent functioning.
The main features of the amendments includes appointment of an Ombudsman for making investigations and inquiries, in respect of charges on any action involving corruption or maladministration or irregularities in the discharge of administrative functions by the member or the Municipality.
The Ombudsman shall investigate into any allegation contained in a complaint or on a reference from the Government, or that has come to the notice. The Ombudsman to inquire into any complaint in which corruption or maladministration of a member or a Municipality is alleged.
According to Mr. Yashpal Garg, the Secretary of Port Blair Municipal Council the amendment also has the provisions of anti-defection have been made applicable and a member of the Municipality may be disqualified in case of joining another political party.
In new amendments any no-confidence motion against Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson shall also contain a proposal for election of new Chairperson or Vice-Chairpersons and specific provisions have been made for elections through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
As per new amendments the duties and functions of the Municipal Authorities have been fine-tuned to maintain balance of authority and responsibility for better accountability and the procedure of disciplinary action and imposition of penalty against the officers/officials of the Municipality has been provided on the lines of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules.
It is expected that the amendments in the Municipal Regulation will bring more stability with efficiency, effectively, accountability and transparency in functioning of the PBMC.
“The institutionalized oversight mechanism in the form of Ombudsman will be a deterrent for corrupt activities and it would also function as a grievance redressal mechanism for the public. The provision for disciplinary actions on the lines of CCS(CCA) Rules will not only bring fairness but will also ensure better accountability of the Officers/officials of the Council. The revision and rationalization of penalties through notifications in Rules will make these more realistic to the changing times and circumstances for better enforcement,” Mr. Yashpal Garg, the Secretary of Port Blair Municipal Council informed media today through a press relase.
