Should Municipalities take local citizen approval of work done to release payments to contractors?
Obviously YES, if corruption is to be tackled.
Rajiv Gandhi brought in Articles 73 & 74 for Panchayats & Municipalities to make accountability a part of local governance.
It’s another story that his own political party sabotaged the intention and instead consolidated all financial power above the municipality instead of lower!
There are other benefits of these articles. That is the involvement of citizens in local civic matters on an ongoing basis.
If implemented in letter & spirit, not only will politicians receive fewer brickbats & abuse, but would make citizens more responsible!
But the lure of bribes has kept politicians from implementing Articles 73 & 74 in spirit. The Area Committees are stuffed with their stooges and conduits.
Only a strong movement by citizens can change this.
Alternatively a small tweak by the GOI to these articles can achieve the same results!
@jsvasan