September 12, 2013
Former Railways Minister and Chandigarh MP Pawan Kumar Bansal on September 11, 2013 expressed his opposition to the naming of Mullanpur as New Chandigarh. The four-time Lok Sabha MP from the city said that he was not in favour of the decision which seemed as a move to attract investment in real estate. He also opposed the haphazard growth in the city's peripheral areas.
In fact, the decision of the Punjab government had upset many in the city with most people seeing it as a move to attract NRIs to invest in real estate at Mullanpur. It is felt that if proper infrastructure is not developed, the pressure for providing basic amenities would fall on Chandigarh.
While opposing the move, Bansal said that for good governance in the city there is a need for devolving more powers to the municipalities. He further emphasized over the roles played by the Mayor-in-Council system. He said that two to three councillors can assist the Mayor and hold some charges. According to Mr. Bansal, the Mayor's term being of one year is not enough.
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