In order to strengthen the administration of Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) the present mayor, Sunil Uniyal ‘Gama’ and councillors from various wards state that electing a deputy mayor will be an effective step for boosting the present services given by the MCD. The position of the deputy mayor in MCD has been vacant for a considerable time now, only Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’ who is currently an MLA, has served a term as deputy mayor of the MCD in the year 2003.
As per the information by the sources on various aspects, the deputy mayor holds equal power as the mayor. The most essential role played by the deputy mayor is to pass the development work tenders for the welfare of the city. He or she is assigned to look after the overall work of the MCD and can also work on the behalf of the mayor. Also, no order can be passed without the permission of the deputy mayor. Currently, there are 67 councillors from BJP and 33 from Congress in the MCD board.
When asked about it, Dehradun mayor Sunil Uniyal ‘Gama’ said, “The election of the deputy mayor will be done as per the directions of the government. It all depends on their wish- whether the government wants to do it or not. However, as per my opinion, the election of the deputy mayor should be done and it will prove to be good for the MCD. A deputy mayor will be a helping hand for us and will provide us more strength and manpower.”
BJP councilor from ward number 36, Amita Singh said, “I feel that the government this time is interested in facilitating election of a deputy mayor. As the number of wards under the purview of the MCD has increased from 60 to 100 it is impossible to take care of every ward in the same way. The main market or busy areas of the city suffer from different problems. On the other hand, the rural or outer areas have different problems. The present mayor is the only person handling such a huge area of the city considering which it is very important that a deputy mayor should be elected in MCD.”
Another BJP councillor Bhupendra Kathaith from ward number eight said, “Filling the position of deputy mayor in the MCD is very important as it will increase the manpower which is very much needed. The appointment of the mayor will not only help the office but will also fulfil various important tasks during the absence of the mayor.”
Congress councilor from ward number 29, Nikhil said, “The services being provided by the MCD have been deteriorating due to less manpower. Appointing deputy mayor will be a great step for ensuring the completion of works on time,” he said.
