Press release #03/2021

 There is provision in the Section 44 of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007 that allegation of corruption, misconduct, lack of integrity, or any kind of malpractice or misdemeanour of Chief Councillor/ Deputy Chief Councillor/Officers and other employees of the Municipality will be enquired by the “Lok Prahari” positively within three months and passed order for suitable action as may be prescribed by the State Government. The qualification, terms and conditions as well as tenure of appointment along with powers and duties of the “Lok Prahari” shall be prescribed by the Government.

It is a matter of great concern that K. N. Sahay Institute of Environmental and Urban Development which is only a pioneer Institute in the Bihar State of India requesting repeatedly to the State Government since 10 years. But the government is intentionally ignoring the matter and have not taken any action to fix qualification, terms and conditions, power, duties and tenure of appointment without which the Lok Prahari can’t be appointed.

It is a open fact that huge amount of taxes, fees are being collected by the Municipal body as well as Centre and State are pumping a vast money to urban sector in these days to improve condition of Urban Local Bodies(ULB). But the desired improvement is not evident. Regularly complaint against Chief Councillor, Municipal Officer and their Staff are appearing. But State Government is not appointing the “Lok Prahari” which is proved to be the Municipal Ombudsman in this matter.

The State should immediately take up the matter and fix up qualification, terms and conditions as well as tenure of appointment along with power and duties of the “Lok Prahari” which is proved to be “Municipal Ombudsman” in this matter. Hope sensitive media will recon this matter in the society.