Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s Crematorium Plan Faces Trust Rejection

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has announced a plan to return four of the city’s 31 crematoriums to their original trusts, a move met with rejection from the largest trust. The decision, revealed on July 7, 2023, comes after VMC had previously awarded contracts to private agencies to manage all crematoriums. Despite claims that all stakeholders were consulted, the Shri Jalaram Seva Trust (SJST), responsible for operating the Khaswadi crematorium, has opted not to accept the offer.

The shift in management occurred earlier this month when VMC instructed three trusts to cease operations at four crematoriums, effective immediately. Nitin Patel, a trustee of SJST, expressed frustration, stating, “We received written instructions to stop work and hand the two crematoriums to the contractor. We walked out and left behind the firewood and other supplies we had arranged for funerals. We have now told VMC we are unwilling to resume.”

The decision to privatize crematorium operations has drawn significant backlash from citizens’ groups, opposition councillors, and NGOs. Many have accused the VMC of neglecting the trusts that traditionally provide cremation services at subsidized rates. Complaints have surfaced about the new agencies imposing additional charges for wood, ghee, and transport, which has burdened vulnerable families during times of grief.

A public petition demanding the rollback of the tender garnered over 3,000 signatures within just seven days, reflecting widespread discontent among the community. In response to the growing unrest, Dr. Sheetal Mistry, chairman of the standing committee, stated, “A misleading narrative was spreading. We are ready to give the crematoriums back, but only under a formal memorandum of understanding with clear terms. A VMC employee will supervise each site. If the trusts accept, they may proceed.”

Dr. Mistry inspected the Khaswadi facility earlier this week and reported a smooth operation, citing positive feedback from users. “I also spoke personally with mourners,” he added, aiming to highlight the improvements since the contractors took over.

Despite VMC’s efforts to reassure the public, initial reports indicated confusion and mismanagement when the new contractors assumed control. The corporation now faces the challenge of regaining trust from both the trusts and the community as it navigates the complexities of this sensitive issue.

The situation at the Khaswadi crematorium, the busiest in Vadodara, remains particularly concerning, as the refusal of the SJST to resume operations could leave many families without access to affordable cremation services. The VMC’s next steps will be crucial in determining how this matter unfolds and whether they can effectively address the community’s concerns while balancing operational changes.