Hooghly, 18 July (H.S.): The West Bengal Government has issued a show-cause notice to the Board of Councillors of Rishra Municipality, directing it to explain within three days why the civic body should not be dissolved following the resignation of eight councillors, which has allegedly disrupted municipal administration and essential civic services.

An order issued by the Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs on July 17 states that the Additional District Magistrate (MA), Hooghly, in a report dated July 15, informed the government that the municipality was facing an administrative stalemate resulting in disruption of civic services.

The order further refers to a communication from the Executive Officer of Rishra Municipality, who reported that the resignation of eight councillors had severely affected the municipality's ability to carry out routine functions and deliver essential public services.

Based on these reports, the Additional District Magistrate requested the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department to initiate appropriate action to restore normal civic administration.

The government observed that the resignations have adversely impacted the statutory functioning of the Board of Councillors under the West Bengal Municipal Act, 1993, affecting its ability to discharge responsibilities mandated under the Act.

Invoking powers under Section 431(1) of the West Bengal Municipal Act, 1993, the Governor has directed the Board of Councillors to submit its explanation within three days of the issuance of the order, stating why it should not be dissolved.

The order, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, indicates that further action will be taken after considering the municipality's response.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey