all it the Andaman effect. Fearing criticism and backlash, members of other committees in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have cancelled all their proposed ‘study tours’.
According to civic officials, tours were organised in recent days for markets and gardens committee (Kashmir), law committee (Kerala), works committee for suburbs (Andaman and Nicobar islands) and works committee for city (Kerala), all at the cost of BMC exchequer.
However, taking note of the widespread criticism of the tour of standing committee members to Andamans, the committee members have backed off and decided not to explore these places for their study.
Last week, Mayor Snehal Ambekar and standing committee members had embarked on a study tour to Andaman and Nicobar islands, which was mired in controversy since it started. There are allegations that corporators have gone on a trip on the pretext of a ‘study tour’ at the expense of taxpayer’s money. About Rs 14 lakh was spent on the tour to Andaman to Nicobar islands. Following the tour, the BJP has issued a showcause notice to its corporator Ritu Tawde for violating the party whip and going on the tour.
However, committee members denied that they have backed off owing to fear of criticism. Law committee chairman Mahesh Parkar from BJP said that their Kerala tour was called off long ago.
“I have received confirmation from only eight committee members for the tour. It would have served no purpose had only eight people gone on the tour. So even before standing committee’s Andaman tour took place, we decided to cancel our tour,” said Mr Parkar.
Markets and gardens committee chairman and Shiv Sena corporator Ajit Bhandari cited bad weather conditions in Kashmir for cancelling their tour.
