Even after the completion of the second meeting of the current board in the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) the position of deputy mayor has remained vacant.
In the year 2003 Umesh Sharma Kau who is now an MLA, had served a term as the deputy mayor after which the position has remained vacant.
As the number of municipal wards has increased from 60 to 100, councillors from the various wards state that a deputy mayor is essential and will improve the work execution of MCD.
Vijay Park councillor Amita Singh said, “As the number of wards under MCD has increased, this means more workers are needed to clear the pending or current work.
The appointment of a deputy mayor can be helpful in looking after every ward properly which will also increase the efficiency of MCD.
This, however, is the decision of the government and we look forward to it. Something regarding this should definitely be done.” The councillor from Salawala, Bhupendra Kathait said, “It is very obvious that for a single official it is tough to handle all the work. There are times when mayor Sunil Uniyal ‘Gama’ is not present in his office due to work. At such times, the deputy mayor can look after all the work which MCD needs now.” Expressing his views, the mayor said, “The decision to appoint a deputy mayor is not in our hands. It is a decision which has to be made by the government.
We have discussed this and have also submitted a proposal regarding it. The final decision in this will be taken at the government level.” When asked about his opinion regarding the appointment of the deputy mayor he said, “All the 100 councillors in various wards are equal for me. They help me in every decision and a deputy mayor would have done the same. The position however remains vacant and as per the will of the Government and councilors, I think steps regarding this should be taken accordingly.’’