There is strong resentment among the people and the RWAs of 18 HUDA sectors that had been planned to be transferred to MCG - for maintenance and upkeep. The RWAs claim that MCG neither has the ability nor scale to maintain such a large area; in fact it is finding it difficult to manage even the existing limited area under its jurisdiction. The RWA officials have submitted a memorandum to the Gurgaon MLA, Umesh Aggarwal, the Badshahpur MLA Rao Narbir Singh and civic agencies, stating that this transfer must be stopped. The residents say that HUDA sectors may be transferred only when MCG is fully empowered with the three Fs (Functions, Funds and Functionaries) outlined in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1993, and as recommended by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (called Moily Report). Only then can MCG become the institution of local governance as directed in the Constitution of India. Its role is far more than just being a maintenance agency. The residents also demand that HUDA should first carry out/complete the development of all planned infrastructure as per the original sector plans. Meenu Singh, President of Sector 5 RWA, says that this move is wrong, as MCG does not have the manpower and resources to meet the challenges in such a large area. “The transfer is being pushed by authorities who have little knowledge of the ground situation,” says Singh. She adds that RWAs have also contributed significantly, in collaboration with HUDA, to improve the living conditions in sectors, and now when things have improved, they cannot go back to square one. RWAs also claim that there is no proper plan for the proposed transfer. Ashok Rana, President of Sector 23 RWA, asks, “If vacant plots and EDC funds are to remain in the control of HUDA, then how will MCG manage things?” The RWAs assert that the transfer must mean 100% transfer of all assets. By assets they mean: all developed and undeveloped assets (including vacant land, developed and undeveloped properties), the authority and accountability for development and maintenance, with absolute decision-making powers on all matters related to development and welfare of these sectors. HUDA must then quit these areas completely. And no other parastatal agency – current or new - should then be allowed to overlap. MCG must have a centralised office that offers single window clearance, along with facilitating zonal offices. The strong opposition to the transfer has put pressure on both HUDA and MCG. HUDA Administrator Anita Yadav and MCG Commissioner Vikas Yadav have said that would meet the residents and address their concerns. The HUDA Administrator however maintains that this is a policy decision and they would not like to delay this transfer any further. Meanwhile, concerned HUDA staff has started an agitation against their transfer to MCG.
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