The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Training for elected representatives in urban local body governance

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 24, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Training for elected representatives in urban local body governance

S. Dorairaj

It began on December 4 and will be conducted in three phases

CHENNAI: The Municipal Administration department has launched an orientation programme for elected representatives and officials at different levels to "effectively meet the challenges of decentralised, democratic and participatory urban local body governance under the 74th constitutional amendment."

Commissioner of Municipal Administration Niranjan Mardi told The Hindu here on Saturday that the three-phase training, which began on December 4, assumes importance, since many of the 4000-odd newly elected representatives are first-time councillors.

To ensure cooperation, coordination and successful implementation of schemes, the representatives need sufficient orientation in various aspects of the urban governance, says Joint Commissioner of Municipal Administration Hiteshkumar S. Makwana. An important aspect of the two-day programme is a "mock council," which will enable the elected representatives to understand the procedures for conducting council meetings in an effective and orderly way, says Dr. Mardi.

Manuals released

Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin recently released four training manuals for Mayors, Deputy Mayors and councillors of Corporations, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of municipalities, municipal councillors and women representatives.

The first phase will conclude in March 2007. One of the objectives of the programme is to make them aware of the constitutional provisions and the relevant Acts, rules, Government Orders, directions, guidelines and circulars related to governance, says Dr. Mardi.

The Tamil Nadu Institute of Urban Studies in Coimbatore has completed the orientation programme for Mayors and Deputy Mayors and chairpersons and vice-chairpersons. For others, the training is conducted in Chennai, Madurai and Tiruchi. Aspects including the background of local self-governments in the State, evolution of municipal administration, Acts and regulations, the 74th constitutional amendment empowering the urban local bodies, powers and responsibilities of municipal councils and elected representatives, finances and functions of the local bodies are highlighted. The importance of municipal service, new and innovative approaches, e-governance, solid waste management, good governance, environment protection, poverty alleviation and the Right to Information Act are also stressed, says Dr. Mardi.

Exposure visits also form part of the programme. A team from the Salem Corporation recently visited Goa and Pune to have firsthand knowledge of the sewage treatment plants in these cities.

For 1,600 women representatives, the training is extended for one more day to sensitise them to their socio-economic status, gender ideology, legal protection, child labour, decision-making and government schemes.

A pre-training and post-training evaluation has been ensured. The department plans to conduct the second phase after six months, says Mr. Makwana.

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