2 hrs ago
Englishbazar Civic Chief Plans Resignation Amid Municipal Fund Crunch
Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury leads the Englishbazar municipality.
He says the municipality does not have enough money to pay for its regular work.
These costs include salaries, pensions, electricity, cleaning, and fuel.
The municipality usually earns more than it spends, but its income has recently dropped below ₹1 crore each month.
Its expenses are estimated at about ₹2.25 crore each month.
Choudhury says the state government owes the municipality around ₹15 crore.
A fellow councillor warned that workers could protest if payments are delayed.
Choudhury plans to resign, after which councillors will try to elect a new chairman.
If no candidate has majority support, the state government could appoint an administrator.
Englishbazar municipality chairman Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury plans to submit his resignation on September 9.
Choudhury said an acute funds crunch has made it difficult for the municipality to meet regular expenses.
Monthly expenses are estimated at ₹2.25 crore, while revenue has reportedly fallen below ₹1 crore.
Choudhury alleged that about ₹15 crore is owed to the municipality by the state government, with additional dues from the railways and BSNL.
After his resignation, councillors will need to choose a chairman, or the state government may appoint an administrator if no majority emerges.
- Who
- Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, chairman of the Trinamool Congress-run Englishbazar municipality, along with the municipality’s councillors and district administration.
- What
- Choudhury has decided to resign, citing the municipality’s financial problems.
- Where
- Englishbazar municipality.
- When
- He said he would submit his resignation on September 9; the year was not stated.
- Why
- He cited an acute funds crunch, falling revenue, and alleged unpaid dues owed to the municipality.
Municipality’s Financial Account
Opposition and Governance View
Reason for resignation
Municipality’s Financial Account
Choudhury and Trinamool councillor Sujit Saha attributed the resignation decision to a severe funding shortfall, reduced revenue, and alleged lack of financial support from the state government.
Opposition and Governance View
BJP MLA and municipal Opposition leader Amlan Bhaduri said resigning was preferable to depriving citizens of civic services.
Financial responsibility
Municipality’s Financial Account
Choudhury alleged that around ₹15 crore was due from the state government and that the railways and BSNL also owed money to the municipality.
Opposition and Governance View
The article reports these as allegations and does not provide a response from the state government, railways, or BSNL.
Risk to municipal services
Municipality’s Financial Account
Saha warned that delayed payments to permanent and contractual employees could lead to prolonged protests and further disrupt the municipality.
Opposition and Governance View
The district administration said the immediate governance issue would be resolved through a councillor vote or, if necessary, appointment of a state government administrator.
Key facts
- Chairman
- Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury
- Planned resignation
- September 9
- Estimated monthly expenses
- Around ₹2.25 crore
- Recent monthly revenue
- Below ₹1 crore
- Alleged state government dues
- Around ₹15 crore
- 2022 ward results
- Trinamool Congress won 25 of 29 wards; the BJP won three and an Independent won one
- Possible next step
- Councillors may elect a new chairman; an administrator could be appointed if no majority is established
Quotes
Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury
Chairman of the Englishbazar municipality and veteran Trinamool Congress leader
“Funds saved earlier had to be dissolved to meet the expenses. But this is no longer possible. We are not receiving any financial support from the state government. Altogether this is a suffocating condition.”
telegraphindia.com
“I have already informed my fellow councillors of my decision. Municipality employees also know about my decision. Before submitting my resignation, I will brief the media.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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