Mumbai News: BMC Set To Scrap Clean-Up Marshal Scheme Following Extortion Complaints

The cleanup marshal scheme, launched in 2007, has undergone several suspension and modifications owing to repeated complaints made by citizens. Complaints mostly arose against the marshals' actions, prompting the scheme to be suspended a number of times. Yet, the scheme was reinstated last year in April when the BMC hired 12 agencies in 24 administrative wards in the city. 30 marshals were deputed to each ward with the mandate of strict action against violators.

 

The marshals under the scheme were empowered to penalize people found spitting, defecating, or littering in public places. The penalty is between Rs 200 and Rs 1,000, depending on the offense. To enhance efficiency and transparency, the BMC also launched a mobile app that enables marshals to issue penalty receipts online. Besides, people were also able to settle their fines online through a QR code scan, making the process even easier and more transparent. The BMC continued to receive a number of complaints against misbehaving marshals and demanding money from the people.