MAPUSA
In a well-coordinated move, the ruling group of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) successfully ensured the election of its members to key positions in the Standing Committee, while vocal opposition leader Shashank Narvekar was once again sidelined.
For the first time, the MMC had to conduct an election for the crucial Standing Committee after five councillors filed nominations for three available positions. By default, the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are nominated to the committee, while the remaining three positions are allocated to other councillors, with one seat traditionally reserved for the opposition.
However, a lack of unanimity among opposition members saw both Shashank Narvekar and Anvi Korgaonkar vying for the reserved seat.
In the election, Korgaonkar emerged victorious, while Viraj Phadke and Barbara Carrasco secured the other two positions from the ruling panel. The election took place during a special council meeting, the first since Priya Mishal assumed office as Chairperson. During the session, various subject committees, including the critical Standing and Market Committees, were constituted.
Councillor Sainath Raul was re-elected as Chairman of the Market Committee, a significant body overseeing the financial and operational aspects of the municipal market.
As MMC Chairperson, Priya Mishal will head the Standing Committee, which plays a crucial role in approving decisions with financial implications for the council. The final composition of the committee includes the Vice Chairperson (yet to be elected), along with Viraj Phadke, Barbara Carrasco, and Anvi Korgaonkar.
Other Subject Committees and their members:
Market Committee: Sainath Raul (Chairman), Anand Bhaidkar, Kishori Korgaonkar, Ashirwad Korjuvenkar, and Vikas Arolkar.
Planning & Development Committee: Vikas Arolkar (Chairman), Shubangi Vaigankar, and Swapnil Shirodkar.
Public Works, Sanitation & Drainage Committee: Ashirwad Korjuvenkar (Chairman), Swapnil Shirodkar, Chandrakant Benkar, and Sushant Harmalkar.
Environment, Garden & Open Spaces Committee: Nutan Bhicholkar (Chairman), Chandrakant Benkar, Anand Bhaidkar, Swapnil Shirodkar, and Shubangi Vaigankar.
Lighting, Public Receptions & Library Committee: Tarak Arolkar (Chairman), Ashirwad Korjuvenkar, Chandrakant Benkar, and Sainath Raul.
All committee members were elected unopposed. The special council meeting was attended by 17 councillors, along with Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar.
