BMC’s Rollback of Clean-Up Marshal Programme

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced it would discontinue its clean-up marshal programme. This decision follows numerous complaints about the conduct of marshals across Mumbai’s civic wards. The programme, originally launched in 2007, aimed to enhance public hygiene by penalising littering and other violations.

Background of the Clean-Up Marshal Programme

The clean-up marshal programme was initiated to improve public hygiene in Mumbai. Marshals were tasked with enforcing penalties for spitting, littering, and illegal dumping. The BMC appointed these marshals through private contractors. In return for their services, contractors retained 50% of the fines collected. Over 200 marshals operated across 25 wards.

Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the marshals took on additional responsibilities. They enforced mask mandates and penalised non-compliance. This led to the imposition of fines on over 3.5 million individuals, generating around ₹80 crore for the BMC.

Reasons for Programme Discontinuation

The BMC’s decision to roll back the programme stemmed from a surge in complaints against marshals. Incidents of scuffles and police complaints were reported. Civic officials noted that this was the first time such a high volume of complaints had been recorded since the programme’s inception.

Previous Discontinuation and Reintroduction

The clean-up marshal programme faced scrutiny in 2011, leading to its initial discontinuation. Critics claimed marshals were unlawfully fining citizens. The programme was reintroduced in 2016 but faced operational challenges. The contract for marshals ended in 2022, and a new contract was only established in April 2024.

Future Plans for Nuisance Detectors

Following the rollback, the BMC plans to revive the position of “Nuisance Detectors.” These are civic employees responsible for maintaining public hygiene. Unlike marshals, nuisance detectors will be directly accountable to the BMC. Currently, 105 positions exist, but only 21 are filled. The BMC aims to fill these vacancies to enhance accountability and service delivery.

Impact on Public Hygiene

The discontinuation of the clean-up marshal programme raises questions about public hygiene management in Mumbai. The BMC’s shift towards employing its personnel may improve accountability. However, the effectiveness of this new approach remains to be seen.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the effectiveness of public hygiene programmes in urban settings.
2. What are the implications of outsourcing civic services to private contractors? Discuss.
3. Estimate the role of local governance in maintaining public health standards in megacities.
4. Point out the challenges faced by civic authorities in enforcing public health regulations during emergencies.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the effectiveness of public hygiene programmes in urban settings.

1. Public hygiene programmes aim to reduce littering, spitting, and illegal dumping, enhancing overall cleanliness.
2. Effectiveness often depends on community engagement and awareness of hygiene practices.
3. Regular monitoring and accountability mechanisms are crucial for sustained impact.
4. Challenges include resistance from the public and limited resources for enforcement.
5. Success stories often involve collaboration between civic authorities and local communities.

2. What are the implications of outsourcing civic services to private contractors? Discuss.

1. Outsourcing can lead to cost savings and efficiency through competitive bidding.
2. However, it may reduce accountability and oversight, as contractors are not directly answerable to the public.
3. Quality of service can vary , affecting public satisfaction and trust.
4. Contractors may prioritize profit over service quality, leading to potential neglect of civic duties.
5. Effective communication and clear performance metrics are essential to mitigate risks associated with outsourcing.

3. Estimate the role of local governance in maintaining public health standards in megacities.

1. Local governance is crucial for implementing health policies tailored to community needs.
2. It facilitates the coordination of health services and public hygiene initiatives.
3. Local authorities can respond swiftly to health emergencies and enforce regulations effectively.
4. Engagement with citizens encourages trust and compliance with health standards.
5. Challenges include resource constraints and bureaucratic inefficiencies that can hinder timely action.

4. Point out the challenges faced by civic authorities in enforcing public health regulations during emergencies.

1. Increased public anxiety and resistance to regulations can hinder compliance during emergencies.
2. Limited resources and manpower can impede effective enforcement of health measures.
3. Rapidly changing situations require agile responses, which may not be possible in bureaucracies.
4. Communication gaps can lead to misinformation and public distrust in health directives.
5. Balancing enforcement with community support is essential for successful public health management.