Councillors in Gurgaon are demanding dedicated office spaces and staff support to effectively carry out their responsibilities following the municipal elections held in March this year. The request was formally raised during a recent meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

The demand stems from what councillors describe as a long-standing need for proper infrastructure to support their public duties. “The CM has assured us that our requirements will be catered to,” confirmed Kuldeep Yadav, councillor of Ward 11, indicating a positive response from the state government.

Currently, not all councillors have access to designated office space. While some have set up private offices, others operate from community centres or public spaces allocated by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG). However, many argue these arrangements are inconsistent and inadequate for the scale of civic work required in a rapidly developing city like Gurgaon.

“We are simply requesting what has been traditionally provided all along,” said Partham Chandra Vashisht, councillor of Ward 14. “A dedicated office space is essential for councillors, as many residents prefer not to visit their private residences for official matters.”

The councillors’ plea also includes pushing administrative staff to assist with the growing workload. Vashisht emphasised the urgency by pointing out the “extensive developmental work required in Gurgaon” and noted that proper facilities, such as community centres, could significantly streamline operations.

MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya acknowledged the concerns but explained the legal limitations. He noted that under the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act of 1994, there is no mandate for office space and staff allocation unless directed by the state government. Still, he expressed a willingness to support the councillors’ needs. “We intend to allocate office space and provide staff assistance to the councillors. The delay is solely because of ongoing verification processes,” he stated.

The issue comes when Gurgaon’s civic infrastructure is under increasing pressure. In the delayed municipal elections earlier this year, the city elected 36 councillors and a mayor. The previous councillors’ term ended in November 2022, but elections were postponed for over two years, causing a backlog in civic planning and execution.

As Gurgaon continues transforming into a significant urban centre, councillors argue that professional support structures are no longer a luxury but a necessity. The following steps rest with the state government, which is now expected to formalise provisions allowing councillors to operate more efficiently and engage more directly with their communities.