Vijay Dessai
CUNCOLIM: Cuncolim locals hold high expectations from the newly-formed Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) with transparent administration from the 14 elected councillors. People earlier alleged that with the blessings of the municipality, illegal constructions were cropping up, corruption had increased in the municipality, and the public were disturbed by missing of files.
It has been three-and-a-half months since the present council assumed power, but it does not seem to be meeting the expectations of the people.
Many resolutions and decisions were taken in the last meeting of the council but none are found implemented. A decision was taken in the meeting to make uniform compulsory to bring discipline to the employees of the council but none seen adhered to it as they do not get uniform allowance from the municipality. Employees claim that first uniform allowance is regularized first.
There have been cases of disappearance and missing files in this municipality. People regret that this practice continues in this new council. Although the movement register has been implemented some officials do not bother to sign IN and OUT on that register.
The municipality had taken a decision to implement the Citizen's Charter, but it is alleged that there is no such thing as a Citizen's Charter in Cuncolim Municipality. This was required to notify which work is completing in how many days or which licence will be obtained in how many days.
The municipality had agreed to provide safety equipment to the garbage collectors but the workers still do not seem to have proper facilities.
The financial condition of the council does not seem to be improving. The arrears and dues are inflating as the recovery campaign is not gaining momentum. It is becoming difficult for the workers to get their wages on time and the development works are stalled. Council apparently has no funding for any work. But it is also learnt that municipality has approved the purchase order of a new vehicle which deepens the ambiguity regarding Council funds. While it is becoming difficult for garbage collectors to get paid, on the other hand, the decision to buy a vehicle is beyond comprehension.
In the Council meeting, each councillor was approved to install 30 street lights and 20 gutter slabs but due to lack of funds, the scheme has stalled. The municipality had funds left for development work and the plan to spend the funds ward wise is still dormant.
According to councillor Udesh Desai, the officials of the corporation behave like Mujor. There is no discipline among the staff and the chairman does not listen to the Councillors.
Tax payers are asking simple question when we will get clean and transparent administration at Cuncolim municipal council? ask tax payers.