With the swearing-in of the councillors, Chennai has an elected local body for the first time since 2016. The councillors who have taken office are a mix of experienced old-timers and those who have been elected for the first time. Half of the council is represented by women.
While these are promising developments, Chennaiites must be able to engage with their elected representatives and officials from the civic body to ensure effective administration. The push for ward committees and area sabhas is one way there can be an element of participatory planning in local governance.
Read more: Chennai in 2022: The time for participatory governance is now!
Citizen Matters brings together a panel of experts to discuss how Chennaiites can track the work of their ward councillors, ensure effective functioning and establish platforms where the collective will of the residents is heard and given due consideration.
Some of the broader questions we want address are:
- How can people know more about the functioning of their ward councillors?
- How to audit the expenditure undertaken at the ward-level?
- What kind of larger vision for the city is essential for the councillors to work effectively?
- What are the gaps to be bridged in terms of access to information that will help residents connect with elected representatives and solve issues?
So mark your calendars and join us for this very important discussion.
Date: April 22, 2022
Time: 6pm – 7pm
The webinar will be followed by a brief Q & A session open to participants.
Register here
Read more: Chennai Corporation elections: What can citizens expect from the elected council?
Panelists:
- Shyam Sundar, News of Chennai
- Charu Govindan, Voice of People
- Radhakrishnan, Arappor Iyakkam
- Raghukumar Choodamani, Community Welfare Brigade
- Inbarasan K G, Institute of Grassroots Governance