Ludhiana: Continuing its intensive review of urban projects, the finance and contracts committee (F&CC) of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) convened for a second consecutive day on Thursday at the mayor’s camp office. The committee deliberated on 105 additional resolutions, bringing the two-day total to 205, with several key decisions made regarding contractor accountability and the modernisation of the civic body’s fleet.In a move to enforce strict project timelines, the committee debarred one contracting firm for failing to commence work on a city park despite being issued a formal work order. While road and sewerage work orders received a general nod, the committee displayed a cautious approach elsewhere, rejecting proposals for a part-time lawyer and construction work in Kundanpuri. Additionally, plans for an “open gym” were kept pending, while several other proposals were sent back for cost re-estimation.Addressing the “pathetic condition” of existing infrastructure, the tehbazaari branch’s request for two encroachment-lifting vehicles was not only met but doubled. The F&CC approved the purchase of four new vehicles—one for each zone—to streamline the removal of temporary encroachments.However, the committee maintained its firm stance on transparency regarding sanitation. For the second day, resolutions for recruiting sanitation staff and sewer cleaners were held back. While a special committee to examine these needs is yet to be formed, mayor Inderjit Kaur and the members indicated an announcement is forthcoming. Furthermore, officials were grilled on the status of “super suction” sewer cleaning; the committee has demanded a detailed report on why certain areas remain uncleaned and the reasons for any ongoing delays.The meeting was attended by mayor Inderjit Kaur, municipal commissioner Neeru Katyal Gupta, senior deputy mayor Rakesh Parashar, and deputy mayor Prince Johar, alongside zonal and joint commissioners. With a significant number of agendas already processed, the remaining proposals are scheduled for discussion February 2.
