Chennai: This councillor is ahead of corporation

CHENNAI: Setting an example, DMK councillor Kayalvizhi Jayakumar has been conducting area sabha meetings in her ward since April, even as the corporation is planning to implement it in January 2023.
Representing ward 179 that covers Thiruvanmiyur and Besant Nagar, the councillor has been holding these meetings every month, ensuring good public participation by messaging the meeting dates and venues to residents' associations. How did Kayalvizhi, a first-time councillor, have knowledge about area sabhas?
"My father served as a block development officer in Dharmapuri district. So, as a child, I have seen how grama sabhas work. Area sabhas are simply an urban version of it. I started it from the first day," she said.
In meetings, she invites grievances and suggestions from residents on civic issues and projects they want. She informs them about projects being implemented and take questions. "For the meetings, I bring officials from the corporation, Metrowater and Tangedco to respond to residents' complaints," she said.
Kayalvizhi, who studied nursing at Christian Medical College, Vellore, worked with a multinational company in Saudi Arabia till 2006. She returned to Chennai and started social work. Her ward is reserved for women.
"Our ward has people from all economic strata. Out of the 10 posts of area sabha representatives, I have given five to residents, and five to party members who are popular among slum board tenement residents. We have a fine balance," she said.
Residents from Thiruvanmiyur and Besant Nagar lauded the councillor's efforts. K V Sukumar of Kamarajar Nagar said the councillor has been effectively holding meetings since the beginning, and all their issues are being heard. "We are satisfied with the meetings and our representations being heard," he said.
"She is fantastic. She was also responsive to our beach clean up drive," said Kamakshi Subramanian, a 96-year-old civic activist from Besant Nagar.