Govt sets sights on local body polls, picks 768 aldermen

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh govt sounded the bugle for the state local body polls on Sunday, as it appointed 768 aldermen for 169 urban local bodies.This is being seen as the second major step by the governing BJP going into the polls, after the announcement of targeted schemes, focussed on these elections, in the state budget earlier this year.According to political observers, the BJP was viewing the appointments not merely as an exercise to fill positions but a call or message to party workers to start preparing for the local body elections.Extending his wishes to all the appointees, Chief minister Mohan Yadav urged them to focus on expansion of civic amenities. He said they have been entrusted with the important responsibility of promoting and prioritising holistic urban development, good governance and greater public participation.Aldermen are political appointees to oversee governance of local bodies. They are usually picked on recommendations from the state govt to assist in development work and administration of local bodies.The orders on the appointments were issued by the urban development and housing dept.As per rules laid down by the govt, an alderman's term shall end with the expiration of the term of a local body, or it may remain in effect until further orders.The primary criteria in picking an alderman was administrative experience in municipal works, according to some leaders in the ruling party.Aldermen can actively participate in council meetings and discussions, but do not have the right to vote. They play the role of ‘guides' to the council, not ‘decision-makers'.It is understood that the govt made it a point to pick senior and experienced leaders who have knowledge of municipal administration. One of the objectives was also to address dissatisfaction among a section of party workers. According to sources, by appointing aldermen, the party accommodated several active district-level leaders, who had been waiting for such appointments for long.