The Government of Haryana issued a Bill on 15th February, 2024 pertaining to the Haryana Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to amend the Haryana Municipal Act, 1973. The amendment proposes the insertion of a new provision into the existing Act, granting the State Government the power to establish common service rules for the appointment and terms of service for individuals involved in the affairs of Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Committees.
This amendment is necessitated by the need to streamline the governance of these entities and address administrative challenges arising from the merging of Municipal Councils/Municipal Committees or the upgradation of Municipal Councils to Municipal Corporations. It seeks to ensure the equitable treatment of employees and facilitate their effective utilization in providing municipal services, ultimately enhancing productivity and minimizing administrative difficulties and resultant litigations.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons outlines the historical context of municipalities in Haryana, detailing the evolution from Municipal Councils and Municipal Committees to the constitution of Municipal Corporations in large towns. With the existing governance structure, the services of employees of Municipal Councils and Municipal Committees are regulated under different Regulations. The amendment is proposed to address the challenges stemming from the differences in the regulatory frameworks for employees of these entities and the subsequent administrative complexities and litigations that arise from their inter-organizational transfers and adjustments.
The need for the amendment is further underlined by the administrative difficulties faced by the Urban Local Bodies Department in managing the personnel adjustments and transfers between Municipal Councils/Municipal Committees and Municipal Corporations. By enacting the Bill, the Department aims to improve the service conditions of employees, ensure the proper deployment of municipal staff, and safeguard against the adverse impacts on promotions and seniority due to organizational changes. The proposed amendment is positioned as essential for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the municipal services and for achieving seamless administrative operations within the municipalities in Haryana.
