‘Vote for Gurgaon, become partners in progress’
The elections to Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) are being held for the first time on May 15. This is the time to stop complaining and take part in the democratic exercise. Ashish Garg writes.
The elections to Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) are being held for the first time on May 15. This is the time to stop complaining and take part in the democratic exercise.
It is important to understand the power we, the citizens, wield and our ability to redefine the rules in the city. At the outset, get your voter ID. Visit the MCG website, register yourself and call any one of the candidates whose boards you see on every lamp post in your ward.
On the day of the voting, take pride in exercising your democratic right, go and vote. For a start, this will make you feel responsible and in a larger context it will start turning the tide.
It is also important to understand what you want for your city, your home, your children, your health and safety. Think about all these issues and choose your representative wisely.
As the Millennium City of the country, Gurgaon has a serious role to play in fulfiling the dreams and aspirations of its citizens; it could also be a role model for other cities of India.
Gurgaon is no longer a single community settlement. It is home to a wide section of people, truly a metropolitan city in its ethos and outlook. This is a young and dynamic city, on the go. Overall development of the city signals a better life for everyone. So do not ignore that election hoarding. You are no longer a minority immigrant from another state. This is your city. Whatever happens here affects your life and your family. Take interest.
Indeed, the challenges faced by Gurgaon are unique and complicated. There are no simplistic or one time solutions. But the final responsibility rests with us, to elect a set of truly dedicated, educated, professional and experienced people to assist the municipal machinery of the city. It is time for the residents to take a stand and vote for good governance and development.
(Ashish Garg, International ICT and Education Expert, former head of Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative, founded by the UN ICT Task Force and World Links, a World Bank spin off.)
