Rishikesh: The Municipal Corporation in Rishikesh has approved a proposal restricting the amount that members of the kinnar community can take as ‘badhai’ during weddings, childbirth celebrations and festivals. The proposal, moved by councillor Abhinav Singh Malik during a corporation meeting, was passed unanimously. Under the decision, kinnars will not be allowed to demand more than Rs 2100 during such occasions in the city.
The councillor said complaints were repeatedly being received that some kinnars demanded large amounts of money during weddings, childbirth celebrations and festive occasions. In cases where families failed to meet the demands, arguments and disturbances allegedly took place, sometimes leading to fights and disputes.
During the meeting, discussions were also held regarding allowances for councillors. The Municipal Corporation administration said the file related to councillor allowances will be sent to the state government and payments will begin after approval from the government. The meeting also witnessed protests from some councillors over inadequate seating arrangements for all 40 elected members. A few councillors initially boycotted the meeting before joining after additional furniture was arranged following intervention by the Municipal Commissioner.
Councillor Lav Kamboj also opposed notices issued to 44 vendors in the Seema Dental area for recovery of Rs 21,000 each as tehbazari charges. He said the corporation should have collected the charges regularly instead of issuing a large demand at once and added that vendors were not financially capable of paying such amounts together.
Other issues raised during the meeting included shifting stray cattle to gaushalas, increasing problems caused by stray dogs, repair of street lights and improvement of roads in various areas.
