Manipal: The Manipal City Municipal Council (CMC) has restructured its standing committees with the election of new chairpersons, aimed at streamlining governance and improving efficiency.
New leadership for standing committees
In the elections conducted on Wednesday at the CMC office, Manjunath Manipal was unanimously elected as the chairman of the Standing Committee on Taxation, Finance, and Appeals. His appointment places him in charge of overseeing critical aspects of municipal finance, including taxation policies, appeals, and financial planning.
Meanwhile, Vijay Kodavoor was chosen to head the Standing Committee on Town Planning and Urban Development, a role that involves monitoring urban infrastructure projects, zoning matters, and long-term development strategies for the rapidly expanding town.
In addition, T G Hegde was elected as the chairman of the Standing Committee on Accounts, which is tasked with ensuring fiscal accountability, verifying records, and maintaining transparency in municipal expenditure.
Election process and participation
The elections were presided over by Municipal President Prabhakar Poojary, who emphasised the importance of collective decision-making in ensuring better governance. Vice-president Rajani Hebbar, Standing Committee chairman Sundar J Kalmady, Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh, along with several members of the municipality and senior officials, were present during the proceedings.
The voting process concluded without contest or disputes, with all appointments made through unanimous consensus. Officials highlighted that such unanimity reflects the shared vision of council members to strengthen local governance and push forward development works without administrative hurdles.
Focus on governance and development
A senior official present at the meeting remarked, “This restructuring aims to improve efficiency and ensure better governance at the local level.” With the new leadership, the committees are expected to accelerate the decision-making process on issues ranging from tax collections and urban planning to infrastructure upgrades and financial oversight.
The Standing Committee on Taxation, Finance, and Appeals, headed by Manjunath, will be particularly crucial in addressing challenges of revenue generation, property tax collection, and appeals raised by citizens against tax assessments. Timely financial management is seen as essential for the smooth functioning of the CMC, especially as the demand for civic amenities continues to grow.
Similarly, the Standing Committee on Town Planning and Urban Development, under Vijay Kodavoor, will play a significant role in guiding the expansion of Manipal’s civic infrastructure. With increasing urbanisation and the influx of students and professionals to the educational and healthcare hub, effective urban planning is vital to avoid congestion, ensure sustainable growth, and provide better civic amenities.
On the other hand, the Standing Committee on Accounts, led by T G Hegde, will provide necessary checks and balances by closely examining expenditure records, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and identifying areas where resource utilisation can be optimised.
Strengthening local administration
Municipal President Poojary, in his closing remarks, stressed that the standing committees form the backbone of urban administration. Their effective functioning directly impacts the delivery of civic services to residents. He urged the newly elected chairpersons to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in their work.
Local representatives and citizens have expressed hope that the new leadership will bridge gaps in service delivery, improve urban infrastructure, and address long-pending issues such as waste management, drainage systems, and road development.
Way forward
The reconstitution of the committees comes at a time when Manipal, known for its educational institutions and medical facilities, is witnessing rapid urban growth. Effective coordination between the committees will be crucial in managing resources, enhancing revenue, and planning for sustainable development.
As the committees begin their new term, much attention will be on how swiftly they can address challenges, meet the rising expectations of residents, and set an example of efficient urban governance in Dakshina Kannada district.