The ongoing preparations for the 2024 assembly elections have placed significant strain on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), with over 1,200 of its employees being reassigned to election duties. This reallocation of staff has led to a visible shortage across various municipal departments, hampering routine administrative services. 

Due to limited staffing by the Election Commission, personnel from CIDCO, MIDC, and NMMC have been assigned key roles such as Booth Level Officers (BLOs), polling officers, centre presidents, and other voting-related tasks. With employees engaged in electoral responsibilities across Thane district, everyday operations at municipal offices have been severely impacted. 

For the past two months, NMMC employees have been posted at election offices in areas like Airoli and Belapur. This has left municipal offices understaffed, resulting in long delays and frustrated residents who often find empty counters and unanswered queries. "I visited the office today for a simple query, only to be told that all the employees are on election duty. No one could inform me when they will return," complained a disappointed resident. 

In some instances, employees not assigned to electoral duties have taken advantage of the situation, reportedly leaving their posts early or disappearing after lunch. This has further slowed municipal operations, affecting critical public services. 

With election-related tasks intensifying, NMMC officials are grappling with the challenge of maintaining administrative services while fulfilling their election obligations. Until municipal staff are reassigned back to regular duties, residents are left with no option but to endure prolonged waiting times and repeated visits for essential services.