Ludhiana: The Finance and Contracts Committee (F&CC) convened a meeting on Wednesday at the mayor’s camp office, granting approval to approximately 100 resolutions aimed at bolstering urban infrastructure. While the committee gave a definitive green light to extensive road construction projects across the city, the session was marked by significant friction over labor recruitment and the persistent shadow of unauthorised construction.The meeting—attended by the mayor, senior deputy mayor, deputy mayor, and MC commissioner—took a cautious turn when agendas regarding the recruitment of sanitation employees and sewer cleaners were tabled. Members raised sharp objections, seeking precise clarity on the actual necessity of additional staff in specific wards. Concerns were also voiced regarding the potential financial strain such a recruitment drive would impose on the civic body’s treasury.In response, MC commissioner Neeru Katyal decided to put six specific staffing agendas on hold. To ensure fiscal responsibility and operational transparency, she recommended the formation of a special committee, comprising both councillors and officials. This panel is tasked with verifying if the additional workforce is required and ensuring that all recruitment norms are strictly fulfilled before any temporary sweepers or sewer cleaners are brought on board.Accountability gaps amid development blitzBeyond the staffing deadlock, the F&CC successfully cleared a large volume of resolutions focused on the city’s aesthetic and functional upkeep. These include the development of green belts, the beautification of parks, and the installation of interlocking tiles in multiple neighbourhoods. With several more resolutions still pending discussion, a follow-up meeting is expected to take place as early as Thursday evening to maintain the momentum of the development blitz.However, the session also witnessed a familiar clash over enforcement. Deputy mayor Prince Johar once again flagged the issue of illegal buildings, confronting building branch officials over their perceived inaction. Johar argued that if the MC acted during the “advance stage” of construction, the city would not be grappling with a sprawl of unauthorised structures. Despite having raised the matter in previous meetings, Johar expressed frustration that officials have remained unable—or unwilling—to curb violations, noting that the reasons for this regulatory silence remain “best known to them”.
