Civic body division for better functioning?

The Shiv Sena have vehemently opposed the suggestion of dividing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. DNA gets Mumbaikars’ views.

Politician talk
Two civic bodies doesn’t denote division of city
If the Congress party feels that the division is necessary for better administration then it will surely go forward with it. Mumbai is a huge city and it is necessary to have two offices — one for city and another one for suburbs — for better governance and to finish the work fast. Shiv Sena believes that this will divide Mumbai. Mumbai already has two districts, but does that mean it’s divided? No. Similarly, division of the civic body won’t divide the city, but only help in improving administration. Delhi for instance has two civic bodies — Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council — but it doesn’t mean Delhi is divided into two cities.
 Sanjay Nirupam, MP

Capable leadership is more important
The suggestion for splitting the BMC into two arms needs to be looked into at a micro level. By just splitting the civic body — for city and suburbs — will not resolve problems unless it is supported by capable leadership and experienced authorities. Apart from division of the BMC, there needs to be focus on specific areas within city, which need attention. More meaningful projects should be undertaken and the BMC is responsible for using peoples’ funds for the benefit of the city.
Mikit Seth, chartered accountant

It will lead to accountability and better management
The division of BMC is a good move. The move will at least bring accountability in the corporation. Also, it’s fairly difficult for one body to manage the whole of Mumbai. Along with the massive construction work, there are number of slums coming up and whole lot of other issues like pipe leakages, potholes that need to be looked into. It’s a difficult task for one agency to handle. If the civic body is split then smaller areas, which are currently being ignored would be looked into in a better way.
Alpa Bhavsar, interior designer

Corruption will percolate to the local level too
I think we just need one civic body. A division of the BMC for suburbs and the city will lead to further arguments and corruption in the system. Already, there are enough disputes and blame-game within the civic body and dividing it further would lead to more problems. However, I don’t think it is a political move even though I am just not in favour of splitting the civic body. The move also does not necessarily ensure better functioning so what is the point? Also, this would further mean that corruption percolates to the local body as well.   
Manish Bora, travel agent

The idea seems politically driven
I think the decision of splitting the BMC seems more like a political move. It looks like the government wants to overshadow the main issue and waste time in such issues. The sudden bifurcation will lead to confusion and many issues during the BMC elections. At the same time, I think that the functioning of the corporation body may improve. This is because more complaints will be attended to in limited time. The bottom line is that the BMC should work towards improving all its services. 
Rajat Singh, admin head