They might be charged with corruption, high-handedness and inefficiency, but the corporators feel their efforts should also be recognised and awarded like all public servants who serve the society. They want the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to hold an award function every year and select five best male and female corporators and felicitate them for their “outstanding contribution” towards making Mumbai the best city.

They feel it is high time that an award ceremony should be held in their honour. “We work only for ‘janata’ and the common man. So like other public servants, our efforts should be recognised,” said Shiv Sena corporator Manmohan Chonkar, who has moved a proposal in this regard in the council. The proposal is expected to be taken up on February 5.

He said the civic administration should set up a committee along with NGOs to identify the best corporators in the city. “The corporators can be judged on their behaviour, whether he/she talks in the council and raises important points regarding the city, if all the funds are being used and the rapport shared with voters,” Chonkar said. “These points will also be considered by voters while going for elections. They can keep in mind which corporator has worked successfully and who hasn’t.”

The corporator from Bandra feels that giving away awards will also result in a healthy competition among the elected representatives besides encouraging them to follow the example of a successful corporator.

BJP corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat said there is nothing wrong in corporators being given awards. “The award need not be in cash. It will encourage the corporators and create a healthy atmosphere. But judging and accessing the best corporator will be a tough job,” he said.

Congress corporator Vinod Shekhar too echoed the sentiments. “Among the 227 corporators, there should be an award for the best performer.”

However, citizens do not seem to agree with their representatives. “For what purpose do these corporators want the awards? They are elected only because they are expected to do public work and use funds at the right places and work in the interest of the common man. Awards should be given to those who do something unusual or contribute towards society. Our corporators are just selfish and greedy,” said AGNI activist James John.