MLA NOT DULY NOTIFIED OF BUDGET MEETING

MLA NOT DULY NOTIFIED OF BUDGET MEETING

15-MARCH-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------A crucial budget meeting of the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat, located within the Bhojpur district, was concluded on Saturday under the chairmanship of Chief Councilor Jugnu Devi. The primary objective of this meeting was to hold a detailed discussion regarding development schemes and budget allocations for the upcoming financial year. However, during the proceedings of the meeting, a significant administrative lapse came to light, sparking intense debate within local political circles.

Following the meeting, when media personnel asked Chief Councilor Jugnu Devi whether the local MLA, Rakesh Ojha, had been given prior notice of this important budget session, she candidly admitted that no such notification had been sent to the MLA. In a brief response, she stated that he would be duly informed regarding the next meeting.

It is noteworthy that, in accordance with the protocols established under the Bihar Municipal Act, the local Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing a specific constituency serve as *ex-officio* members of their respective regional municipalities. As per the statutory provisions of the Act, it is mandatory to notify these members at least seven days prior to the convening of any official meeting, thereby enabling them to ensure their participation in the region's development initiatives and policy-making decisions.

The failure to notify MLA Rakesh Ojha about the meeting has elicited a sharp reaction from his supporters and party workers. These workers have termed this incident as an act of gross negligence on the part of the Nagar Panchayat administration and a blatant violation of democratic norms. They argue that excluding the region's elected representative from critical discussions—such as those concerning the budget—not only constitutes a disregard for established rules but also amounts to an act that hinders the developmental progress of the constituency. This episode has cast a shadow of doubt over the operational efficiency and administrative coordination of the Nagar Panchayat.