The state government initiated GHMC Amendment Bill, 2020 to ensure the development of Hyderabad as a world-class city.

Proposed GHMC Amendment Bill 2020

On 13th Oct, in the State Legislative Assembly, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao made the announcement introducing the GHMC (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

In addition to creating it as a mark of Telangana's self-respect, the state government will come up with a new Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act to promote the growth of Hyderabad into an international destination for all.

The State Assembly passed the Bill, making the GHMC Council a 50 percent quota for women compulsory. Although the state government had previously issued orders in this regard and provided 50 percent reservation during the previous elections for women in the GHMC Council, the new Bill gives it authenticity. The Bill adds four further changes to the GHMC Act, including allocation of 10 percent to the Green Budget from the GHMC budget.

To ensure flexibility and transparency, the Bill also provides for provisions to address reservations for two terms within the local body. In the Panchayat Raj Act and the Municipal Act, a comparable provision was made. The Bill allows the State Election Commission, in another major amendment, to make its decision on the conduct of GHMC elections only in consultation with the state government.

The main objective behind bringing this amendment is to consider all issues such as natural disasters (heavy rains and floods), staff availability, law and order, and other issues before carrying out GHMC elections.

Additional amendments have been proposed to facilitate the involvement of people in municipal governance in the GHMC area by creating four Citizens Committees for each division, including youth, senior citizens, women and eminent citizens.

All these committees together will form a powerful force of 15,000 people who can be active in growing green coverage, solid waste management, the prevention of public property encroachment, the rejection of plastic use, the promotion of sports and other events in the respective divisions.

By: Shailaja K