New policy promises to bring transparency, accountability in allotment and running of local community centres, prioritise local citizen bodies
BMC-owned Welfare Centre at Pali Hill, Bandra, for the running of which the Pali Hill Residents Association had approached HC in 2018
Following the demands of the Pali Hill Residents Association that dragged the civic body to the high court over the allotment of Welfare Centres to private organisations last year, the civic body has come up with a detailed policy. However, the new policy doesn't mandate the termination of expired leases and allows them to continue by paying just 25 per cent more of the new policy rates.
The Bombay High Court had rapped the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for random allotment of a Welfare Centre at Pali Hill to a private institute.
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The city has 171 centres — 46 are with the Estate Department and 125 are with the 24 ward offices.
Allotment procedure set
"Earlier, the centres were allotted randomly without a set procedure. The BMC was not even renewing old leases. But many Welfare Centres continue to operate. Now, to continue, existing organisations must pay 25 per cent more than the new policy rates. Tenders will be floated for vacant ones. A committee will monitor the activities of all Welfare Centres. Flouting of rules will lead to termination of the lease," said a BMC official.
Welfare Centres will be charged rent at the rate of R5 per square feet. The rent will increase annually at the rate of five per cent.
The new policy gives priority to local associations or organisations, particularly those with relevant expertise, for allotment of centres. It has classified the centres based on how they came to be — for example, the ones given by developers in lieu of development and extra FSI, the ones built by MLA or MP funds, the ones constructed by the government on BMC land, among others. The policy also specifies committees to decide on eligibility, allotment and monitoring the organisations that run the Welfare Centres.
Lease system
Each lease will be for a period of 11 months with the option for renewal for a maximum of 10 years (121 months).
Madhu Poplai, secretary, Pali Hill Residents Association, said, "Our demand was for a fair process and due diligence, which was missing earlier. If the BMC fulfils our demands and gives priority to local organisations, we will be satisfied. The policy is not yet in the public domain. So we will wait and see what it exactly talks about."
Madhu Poplai
The policy was approved unanimously by BMC's Improvement Committee last Thursday. Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the Estate Department, Keshav Ubale, said, "The policy will now go to the Corporation for approval. A policy circular will be issued after approval. Following this, we will start calling for fresh tenders."
What is a Welfare Centre?
A Welfare Centre is akin to a local community centre where organisations can conduct welfare activities like dispensaries, sports centres, marriage and community halls, etc. for citizens. The property owned by BMC is leased to organisations that must run and manage the premises. BMC alone will decide on the organisation and the type of activity based on the area and its needs.
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