Mangaluru: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has opposed the Gurupura Gram Panchayat’s decision to increase the monthly garbage collection fee from Rs 100 to Rs 150, describing the 50 per cent hike as unjustified and an additional financial burden on residents. The party has demanded that the revised fee be withdrawn immediately.
A memorandum seeking the rollback of the increase was submitted to Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) Pankaja by SDPI Gurupura Gram Committee president S B Abdul Sattar, former gram panchayat member Salam Golipadd, and Imtiyaz Bottikare on behalf of local residents.
SDPI questions fee hike
Addressing the issue, Abdul Sattar said the decision to raise the garbage collection fee had been taken without adequate justification or meaningful public consultation. He argued that such a move was against public interest and should be reconsidered.
According to him, residents should have been given an opportunity to express their views before the implementation of the revised fee structure.
He said decisions affecting the public financially should be taken only after discussions through the gram sabha or other appropriate public forums.
Rising cost of living cited
Abdul Sattar pointed out that families are already coping with increasing expenses due to the rising prices of essential commodities, electricity, water and other household requirements.
He said imposing an additional monthly charge for garbage collection at a time when the cost of living continues to rise would place an unnecessary burden on residents.
The SDPI leader maintained that local bodies should be sensitive to the financial challenges faced by the public while making decisions that affect household budgets.
Questions over solid waste management funds
The party also questioned the need for increasing the garbage collection fee when funds have already been earmarked for solid waste management.
Abdul Sattar said approximately Rs 8 lakh has been allocated under the 15th Finance Commission Action Plan for the 2026-27 financial year for solid waste management and garbage disposal in the gram panchayat.
He demanded that the panchayat administration explain the purpose of the allocated funds, how they are being utilised and why an increase in the user fee has become necessary despite the financial allocation.
According to the memorandum, greater transparency is required regarding the utilisation of government funds before imposing additional charges on the public.
Call for transparency and accountability
The SDPI stated that local self-government institutions should function with transparency, accountability and public participation rather than focusing solely on increasing revenue.
The party said major decisions involving public charges should be preceded by consultations with residents and detailed discussions in the gram sabha to ensure that people’s concerns are taken into consideration.
It further argued that such an approach would strengthen public confidence in local governance and improve accountability in decision-making.
Demand to withdraw revised fee
The memorandum urged the Gurupura Gram Panchayat administration and the Panchayat Development Officer to immediately withdraw the decision to increase the monthly garbage collection fee from Rs 100 to Rs 150.
The SDPI said the proposed hike should be reconsidered in the interest of residents and called upon the panchayat to avoid placing an additional financial burden on households without sufficient justification.
The gram panchayat has not yet issued an official response to the memorandum or the demands raised by the SDPI. It remains to be seen whether the administration will review the revised fee following the objections raised by local residents and the party.