The strategic move of Ludhiana municipal commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma to place two IAS officers on key positions in the MC would provide much-needed help to him as he was so far struggling to get a hold on things.
The two IAS officers, Dr Sumeet Kumar Jarangal and his wife Isha Kalia, were transferred to the MC last week after which they assumed the charge of zonal commissioner of zone A and D, respectively.
In spite of restricting both officials at their respective zones, Verma had given them the entire charge of some of the most controversial wings of the MC.
Sumeet would head the roads and bridges (R&B), operations and maintenance (O&M), horticulture, streetlights and projects, whereas Isha Kalia would head building branch, advertising, Ludhiana City Bus Service Limited and computerisation of the entire MC.
The move has been well thought of by the commissioner, as all these wings have remained surrounded with controversies one after another. Interestingly, the R&B and building branches have always attracted criticism from the media and society.
Verma joined the MC as commissioner nearly seven months ago and had been struggling hard to get things in order. Thousands of challans against several buildings were lying pending which were supposed to be assessed. Other issues related to the delay in prestigious projects of the city were also always on his mind.
{{/usCountry}}Verma joined the MC as commissioner nearly seven months ago and had been struggling hard to get things in order. Thousands of challans against several buildings were lying pending which were supposed to be assessed. Other issues related to the delay in prestigious projects of the city were also always on his mind.
{{/usCountry}}"Giving one major wing to one official is a well-thought move by the commissioner which will put rein on junior officials who have not able to nail offenders. The building branch which is one of the biggest source of income for MC through house tax, challans among others, needs to be brought under control, as a result the wing has been placed under Isha Kalia," a senior official of the rank of additional commissioner, MC, said.
He said both new officers conduct regular meetings with Verma, who briefs them on the wings that require attention.
Zone D zonal commissioner Isha Kalia said it would take sometime to understand things and take action on them. "I have been given the entire charge of some of the wings of the MC. New advertising policy of the MC will also be implemented soon. Other ways to generate revenue for the corporation will also be brought into force."
Zone A zonal commissioner Sumeet Jarangal said to understand the things he had arranged a meeting for Friday with councillors.
"I have understood that less interaction of residents with MC officials has created many issues which need to be resolved. My focus will be on all minor and major problems and the ways in which these can be resolved," Jarangal said.
MC commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma said both officials were dedicated towards their work and had already started understanding the working of the MC.
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