Mumbai Mayor Seeks Approval For Proposals In Her Name

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has directed Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide to seek her prior approval before processing or clearing any proposal issued in her name. This move comes after controversies surrounding the proposed renovation of the Mayor's bungalow in Byculla Zoo and the appointment of social media personnel.

The Rs 25.12 lakh BMC contract for managing the Mayor's social media was listed before the Standing Committee but was not taken up due to the controversy. The contract, awarded to M/s Runtime Solutions Pvt Ltd, covers social media management for the Mayor's office for one year. However, the proposal document states that no tender process was followed for awarding the contract.

The issue resurfaced during the BMC General Body meeting, where BJP corporator Preeti Satam demanded that an assistant commissioner be appointed to head the civic body's Public Relations Department. Satam said that if the Mayor's image was being tarnished, action should be taken against the department concerned.

Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar backed the demand, saying he supported the appointment of an assistant commissioner to head the PRO department. Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi questioned why the Standing Committee had not discussed the social media proposal. He said a discussion could have clarified how the Mayor's name came to be associated with the proposal.

Opposition leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Kishori Pednekar hit back, alleging that the Mayor was talking through Preeti Satam while demanding action against the PRO department. Tawde said the PRO department has a budget of nearly Rs 100 crore and therefore requires a senior officer to head it.

Tawde had earlier clarified that she had not sought the second phase of renovation work around the Mayor's bungalow. She had also distanced herself from the proposal to appoint a private agency or personnel to handle social media for her office. The Mayor has written to the Municipal Commissioner, making it clear that if any proposal using her name was brought before the Standing Committee in future without her consent, she would take action.

The controversy surrounding the Mayor's office highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the civic body's decision-making process. The Mayor's move to seek prior approval for proposals issued in her name is a step towards ensuring that her office is not associated with any controversial decisions without her knowledge or consent.

The BMC's Public Relations Department plays a crucial role in managing the civic body's image and communicating with the public. The appointment of an assistant commissioner to head the department could help to improve the department's functioning and ensure that the Mayor's image is not tarnished by any controversial decisions.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Mayor's office has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the civic body's decision-making process. The Mayor's move to seek prior approval for proposals issued in her name is a step towards ensuring that her office is not associated with any controversial decisions without her knowledge or consent.