Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 15 November 2024
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has strongly condemned the decision by the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) to impose a user fee for garbage collection from residents in the municipal area. In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Municipal Council, dated 14th November 2024, CPI(M) Secretary D. Ayyappan expressed concern over the lack of consultation with stakeholders and residents before announcing the charge.
In his letter, D. Ayyappan referred to the press release issued by the Municipal Council on 12th November 2024, which announced that a user fee of Rs. 1,000 per month would be levied on each household under the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council’s Solid Waste (Handling & Management) Bye-Laws, 2017. The CPI(M) has raised several objections, particularly pointing out that the bye-laws were not made available in draft form prior to their finalisation and implementation, thereby bypassing a crucial public consultation process.
Ayyappan highlighted that such a fee would place an undue burden on the already struggling population in the Municipal area. Many residents earn less than Rs. 10,000 per month, and a charge of Rs. 1,000 would be unaffordable for them. The party argued that imposing such a fee would only exacerbate the financial hardships faced by the urban poor, especially amidst rising prices and unemployment.
The CPI(M) also emphasised that, unlike in the past, many Islanders are now facing increased poverty, making the imposition of such fees an additional hardship. Ayyappan suggested that the issue should be discussed with political parties, social organisations, and prominent local figures before any user fee is imposed.
In conclusion, CPI(M) has urged the Municipal Council to withdraw its decision and engage in consultations with the public and stakeholders. Ayyappan warned that if the Council proceeds without addressing the concerns raised, the party would consider organising an agitation involving the people of the municipal area.
(On 14th November 2024, the Chairperson of Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council held a press conference and informed that the news of Rs. 1000 per month User Charges for garbage collection from households is fake, but the Press Release that is floating on Social Media does not seem fake as it is Digitally Signed by an official of the SVPMC, the general public is confused on what is happening in the Municipal Council.)