GenZs make their mark this elections, succeed in adding corporator to their resume

Pune: The Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations will see a new chapter unfold as GenZ corporators walk into the two civic headquarters with new-age plans for the cities.Saee Thopte and Siddhi Shilimkar, both 22 years old and from the BJP, as well as Yash Sane and Anjali Orse, both 25 years old and from the NCP, have emerged as some of the youngest winners.
The youngsters believe they have fresh ideas on how to resolve civic issues and would utilise technology to enhance governance, while also promising to remain accessible to people.Thopte has promised corruption-free governance in her Sahakarnagar-Padmavati ward (no. 36) in Pune. She said she aimed to fulfil a range of initiatives mentioned in her election affidavit, including a modern hall and recreation centre for senior citizens, ward-specific waste processing projects, uninterrupted water supply, piped gas connections, CCTV camera surveillance in sensitive areas, solar energy installations on govt premises and regular dialogue with citizens.A first-year student pursuing MBA, Thopte hopes to continue her education alongside her role as a corporator. "I have been part of ABVP for five years now. I know what problems the youth face. I also worked diligently in my ward for the last three months and I am aware of citizens' issues. I will work on all of them," she added.Sane said he could hardly spend quality time with his father, who was the corporator of ward no. 1 in Pimpri Chinchwad since 2007. "My father was always out helping people. He passed away during Covid-19 in 2020. I had to discontinue my education after Class XII. I stepped out the next day after performing his 13th-day death rituals. I have been trying to follow in his footsteps regarding social service. I hope to continue going forward," he added. Sane plans to finish his education as well.Some priority issues on Sane's agenda are to address traffic and parking issues on Akurdi–Chikhali Road, improve ward cleanliness, develop a fully equipped vegetable market, ensure CCTV camera surveillance, establish a women's police station and ensure access to govt schemes.Orse, who has a bachelor degree in computer applications, has promised to make an honest effort to provide basic amenities to residents of her Pune ward no. 7, consisting of Gokhalenagar-Wakdewadi, and create employment opportunities for the youth.Meanwhile, Shilimkar, who has a bachelor degree in product design, has promised complete transparency with online publication of decisions and expenses, regular citizen meetings, improvement of public transport, environmental awareness, providing 24-hour clean water, efficient waste management, developing other infrastructure and generating job opportunities.