Booking Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) halls and party plots could soon become simpler, with the civic body planning to bring back a contractor system for decoration and other facilities at these venues.Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel said the AMC also plans to simplify the booking process for weddings. Currently, applicants have to submit Aadhaar cards of the bride and groom, their parents, along with the wedding invitation card. Under the proposed change, the invitation card will no longer be required, while the Aadhaar card requirement will remain.
Patel said AMC had discontinued the private contractor system in 2018. Under the earlier arrangement, contractors handled decoration, security, maintenance, upkeep and electricity expenses at municipal halls. In return, they managed decoration work for weddings and other functions. The system generated around ₹10 crore in annual revenue for the civic body.At present, AMC spends nearly ₹40 crore every year on security, lighting, engineering, cleaning and other services at its halls and party plots.
The civic body is now considering a new decoration policy aimed at benefiting both citizens and AMC. Three types of decoration packages are proposed to be offered through contractors. The AMC has sought preliminary information from contractors and plans to fix package rates to prevent them from overcharging customers.
AMC Plans Better Street-Light Maintenance
Patel also said Ahmedabad has around 2.10 lakh street lights. At present, dim or yellow street lights are generally replaced after complaints are received.To improve maintenance, officials have been asked to prepare details of all street-light poles, including their installation dates and expected lifespan.
The AMC is also considering replacing street lights across the city in phases from next year under a scheduled maintenance system, instead of waiting for complaints.