Maharashtra municipal elections: Citizens’ manifesto seeks transparency, clean air, water, staffing overhaul

The Hindu
The Hindu
1w ago • 4 views
The Praja Foundation launched a Citizens' Manifesto for Maharashtra's Municipal Elections, emphasizing transparency and citizen participation in governance. This initiative aims to restore democratic processes after a three-year delay in local elections.
Maharashtra municipal elections: Citizens’ manifesto seeks transparency, clean air, water, staffing overhaul
A What happened
On December 2, 2025, the Praja Foundation introduced the Citizens' Manifesto for Maharashtra's Municipal Elections, advocating for a transformation in urban governance. The manifesto emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, especially after a three-year hiatus in local elections. This delay has hindered public participation in crucial decisions impacting daily life. The manifesto proposes filling vacant municipal positions and hiring experts in various fields to enhance governance. It also calls for the creation of an Open Data Portal to provide real-time information on civic projects and services. Additionally, it suggests using AI-powered tools for data visualization and regular environmental reporting. The aim is to foster a governance structure that is predictable and accountable, ensuring that citizens' voices are heard in local decision-making processes.

Key insights

  • 1

    Focus on Transparency: The manifesto prioritizes open governance and public access to data.

  • 2

    Citizen Participation: It emphasizes the need for active involvement of citizens in local governance.

  • 3

    Strengthening Municipal Capacity: The proposal includes filling critical vacancies and hiring experts.

Takeaways

The Citizens' Manifesto aims to reshape urban governance in Maharashtra by ensuring transparency and citizen involvement, addressing the challenges posed by the absence of elected representatives.

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