Government spells out code of business of Municipalities

GANGTOK, 10 Nov: With the formation of the Gangtok municipality the government has now come out with the rules governing the conduct of business called the Sikkim Municipalities commencement  (Conduct of Business) Rules, 2011 which elaborate on the procedures to be followed by the councilors during meetings, code of conduct of councilors during meetings, question hour and related matters.
As per the rules the quorum necessary for transaction of business at any meeting of a municipality is to be one third of the total number of councilors of the municipality subject to a minimum of 3 councillors. All questions to be decided at a meeting are to be determined by a majority of votes of the Councillors present and voting. In the case of an equality of votes on any question, the Presiding Officer shall have the casting vote.
The rules also spell out the maintenance of order during such meetings which have to be observed by the councilors; these include that a councilor shall not read any book, a newspaper or letter except in connection with the business of the municipality, shall not obstruct proceedings or interrupt and observe other formalities as well.
Visitors can be allowed to witness such meetings and will have to sit at the visitor’s chamber or gallery; the entry of visitors will be regulated under the orders of the Chief Councillor. However when the municipality meets in secret no visitor shall be permitted. The rules also elaborate that the first hour of every meeting will be Question Hour, much like in the Assembly House, which will be available to all councillors for asking and answering of questions.