Only an alert society can push corporators to deliver

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Ahead of the prestigious BMC elections, scheduled to be held in February 2022, a Mumbai Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) released a report card of corporators across the city. Two corporators - from Congress and Shiv Sena - got an A, there were several languishing near the bottom. The report card may not be taken seriously by our local leaders but we should welcome any initiative that throws a spotlight on what our representatives, who we have elected to the government, have done for the people.

We are sure to see an uptick in projects for the people, ribbon cuttings, openings and upgrades as our netas are sure to suddenly develop a penchant for the people. A cynical citizenry is aware that we should hold our representatives accountable through the year and at all times. Any machinery that holds a mirror to their performance needs to be encouraged, and in fact, it is the citizens who must demand accountability and answers.

It is easy to blame our leaders but we too need to show initiative and interest in neighbourhood matters, things that need attention in the community, so that report cards are not the only time we can ask for work to be done or question why this or that has not been attended to.

In areas especially and for civic problems, like pavements, garbage, vagrants and a myriad others that affect our daily life, we usually have two to three persons taking the lead, while others prefer to be bystanders or WhatsApp warriors. There should be a more equitable distribution and wider base of people who take interest and can bring about solutions or at least approach those in power, to bring solutions to these issues. Let the vigilante base be broadened and it is only an alert and aware society that can push our corporators to deliver.