MDA continues to be rudderless in absence of full-time commissioner

Mysuru: Nearly a year after the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) was constituted, the state govt is yet to appoint a full-time commissioner or complete the formation of its governing body.In the absence of a full-time commissioner of IAS cadre, since the formation of MDA, the responsibilities of the commissioner are being handled by a junior-grade KAS officer. Deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, appointed MDA chairman, claimed there hasn't been any hindrance in the civic body's administrative works. The authority was formed in mid-May 2025 after the controversial site allocation by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (Muda) came under intense scrutiny. In the aftermath, Muda was reconstituted as MDA, with expectations that the new body would function with stronger oversight, improved governance and a more accountable administrative framework. However, those expectations remain only partly fulfilled, activists complain. Moreover, thousands of site aspirants are still waiting for allocation. In the absence of a fully constituted governing body, the authority has continued to clear several layout-related projects and carry out routine development works with only the board members, including the DC, MDA in-charge commissioner, town planning member, engineer and secretary of MDA.While officials maintain that work has not come to a standstill, the lack of a permanent commissioner and a complete board has raised concerns over governance, oversight and accountability. Under the circumstances, urban development experts and stakeholders fear important decisions may be taken without adequate scrutiny or broader institutional consultation. The delay has also triggered questions about administrative efficiency. A full-time commissioner is expected not only to supervise day-to-day operations, but also coordinate with multiple govt departments, ensure compliance with planning norms and provide continuity in policy execution. Having just an in-charge, officials say, can only serve as a stop-gap measure.