Developing sectors residents demand representation in GMDA RAC

Residents and resident welfare associations (RWAs) of developing sectors have demanded that representatives from resident bodies be included in the recently reconstituted residents advisory council (RAC) of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GDMA).

Their demand was also echoed by Badshahpur MLA Rakesh Daultabad, who wrote on January 5 to chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is the chairman of GMDA, and CEO Sudhir Rajpal asking them to include two representatives from developing sectors (sectors 65 to 115) in the RAC.

“As all basic infrastructure of the area from sector 65 to sector 115 is under the preview of GMDA, and also under the Badshahpur constituency, which is represented by me as Badshahpur MLA but as per the nominated list there is no representation from the said area as RAC members. You are requested to please add at least two names from this area so that there will be fair working towards the purpose of RAC,” the MLA wrote.

As per the GMDA rules, residents advisory council has to have a minimum of 10 members and a maximum of 15 members from different spheres such as RWAs, industry and civil society.

The newly nominated members of the RAC are Jagan Nath Mangla, Parveen Jain, Sudakshina Laha, captain SS Pathania, Bodh Raj Sikri, commander Udayvir Yadav, Parveen Kumar, DD Sharma.

According to the GMDA Act, 2017, an RAC is set up to advise the authority and give guidance on its functions. The panel monitors implementation of annual plans for infrastructure development, mobility management and sustainable management apart from other duties.

Area residents said GMDA should have included members from their area. “Most of the GMDA work is being carried out in developing sectors but there is no representation from this area. We want the chief minister to change that and do justice to people of this area,” said Pravin Malik, president of Sare Homes RWA .

The GMDA last month reconstituted the residents advisory council, comprising nine nominated members. But none of them is from developing sectors, prompting the outcry by residents.

Amit Arya, media advisor to chief minister, said, “The matter will be considered and a decision will be taken as per the best interests of the city residents and according to the norms of GMDA,” he said.