Last update:
The Mumbai BMC has started live streaming General Body meetings on YouTube for the first time, allowing citizens to watch the proceedings in real time and increasing transparency.
The first live broadcast of a BMC General Body meeting took place on April 9, setting the stage for this new transparency initiative.
Mumbaikars can now directly observe how their elected representatives function as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started live streaming its General Body meetings on social media platforms. This marks a significant step towards transparency and public participation in the functioning of the civic body.
This initiative comes at a crucial time as the BMC now has an elected body after a gap of three years and 10 months. It should be noted that this is the first time in the history of the municipal corporation that the minutes of the General Body are broadcast live for citizens, as reported in Noon.
The sessions are streamed on the BMC’s official YouTube channel, making it the first civic body in the country to adopt such a practice, similar to how the proceedings of the Lok Sabha and various Vidhan Sabhas are televised.
Test phase underway
The measure is currently being implemented on a trial basis. The first test of the live broadcast was carried out on April 9, 2026. After that, another meeting of the General Body was held without being broadcast.
However, on Monday, the civic body successfully held a livestream of its proceedings on YouTube, indicating a gradual rollout of the initiative.
Goal: greater transparency and public access
According to a senior BMC official, the live streaming system is still being refined. Once all technical and procedural aspects are finalized, each meeting of the General Body is expected to be broadcast live.
The official explained that the main objective is to improve transparency and allow citizens to witness, in real time, how their representatives raise issues and participate in discussions that impact the city.
Political context behind the measure
The announcement about live streaming was made by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde after a General Body meeting held on April 16.
This meeting witnessed political tension as opposition members demanded suspension of opposition leader Kishori Pednekar for comments he made about Bal Thackeray in the House. Pednekar briefly walked away during the proceedings and then returned, refusing to apologize for his comments.
Parallel to the controversy, opposition corporators have consistently expressed concerns over the alleged allocation of lower funds to districts under their control. These issues have added to the charged atmosphere within General Body meetings.
April 9 marked the beginning
The first live broadcast of a BMC General Body meeting took place on April 9, setting the stage for this new transparency initiative.
More improvements are expected, and the civic body aims to make live streaming a regular feature, bringing governance closer to the people of Mumbai.
April 21, 2026, 1:25 PM IST
Read more