CIC get tough on boards showing local works

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has indicated strict action would be taken against civic officials failing to put up boards in each wards displaying works carried out under councillors' local area development (LAD) funds.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has indicated strict action would be taken against civic officials failing to put up boards in each wards displaying works carried out under councillors' local area development (LAD) funds.

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The CIC had last time given time till May for erecting proper boards in each wards and a subsequent compliance report by May 10.

Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi had on February 2011 ordered installation of boards displaying works taken under elected representatives' LAD funds. A joint inspection of boards in various wards by citizens, CIC officials and MCD representatives revealed several lacunae in the boards, with some even missing. Almost 35-odd civic officials had gathered at Gandhi's office for the hearing in April.

Even as the IC appreciated four officials for best boards in prescribed manners, he issued a stern warning for those who failed to do the job. "The MCD officials themselves then committed to a deadline of May 1 and agreed to a penalty if the boards are not erected," said Gandhi.

However, post-municipal elections, the transition to trifurcation has led to a delay in works.

"Trifurcation has got nothing to do with implementation of the order regarding boards. If any citizens lodge complaint/s about the non-compliance, strict action would be taken," Gandhi said.

Gandhi’s original order — on a complaint lodged by Anjali Bhardwaj and 317 others from Satark Nagarik Sangathan — on boards also included display of works taken under LAD funds for MLAs. The status of those boards too is not satisfactory. “We are also carrying out similar audit for boards for MLA fund works,” said Bhardwaj.