BMC Elections 2026: Citizen Charter Places 8 Key Demands Before Poll Candidates
Mumbai: Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF), a non-governmental organization, has released a comprehensive citizen charter for candidates contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The charter outlines a 30-point roadmap advocating for transparent and accountable civic governance, moving away from publicity-driven approaches.
1. Overhauling grievance redressal
Among the charter’s primary demands is a complete transformation of BMC’s complaint resolution mechanism, including grievances handled through social media platforms. The forum stated that previous contracts with public relations agencies diminished accountability and has called for revising existing PR agency agreements.
The new system must incorporate independent citizen oversight and fixed timelines for resolving complaints. The charter also mandates stringent monitoring of grievance handling, requiring mandatory monthly review meetings at BMC headquarters. Ward officials must attend citizen forum meetings organized by corporators, with unresolved complaints escalated to the Municipal Commissioner’s assemblies.
2. Whistleblower protection
To safeguard those reporting misconduct, the forum has proposed a secure complaint platform for whistleblowers. The portal should allow anonymous submissions and support multiple languages.
3. Language-inclusive access
The charter demands round-the-clock multilingual helplines to improve accessibility for all residents.
4. Independent monitoring
MNCDF has called for independent scrutiny of civic operations, proposing establishment of a committee to conduct impartial audits across all BMC departments. These audits would assess complaint handling procedures and adherence to timelines.
5. Encroachment and road damage
The forum expressed concern over unauthorized encroachments and road deterioration. It advocates a firm stance against illegal occupations and action against hawkers operating without permits. The charter also demands prosecution of hawkers who have transformed into illegal food vendors, and relocation of Aarey milk centers.
6. Road construction coordination
MNCDF suggests improved coordination before commencing road construction work, proposing joint consultations between utility agencies and Resident Welfare Associations prior to any road concretization.
7. Environmental services
The charter outlines improvements in health and environmental services, including establishment of mental health counseling clinics across the city. It demands mandatory annual audits of staffing levels and sanitation standards in public hospitals.
8. Noise and air quality control
The forum has demanded strict enforcement of noise control regulations at construction sites and proposed real-time air quality monitoring with ward-wise Air Quality Index data availability.
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Urban planning improvement forms another central focus of this charter. Through this comprehensive citizen charter, MNCDF has presented a detailed set of demands for candidates competing in municipal corporation elections, setting a benchmark for accountable civic governance in Mumbai.