Controlling officers to now be present during KMC monthly meets

Kolkata: The monthly meeting of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) from now on will have the presence of controlling officers of various departments of the civic body. Municipal Commissioner Khalil Ahmed has recently issued the order, after the necessary approval of Mayor Firhad Hakim.

Till date, the Mayor and Member Mayor-in-Councils (MMiCs) of various departments remain present in the House to respond to the questions and proposals raised by the councillors of the KMC.

The Municipal Secretary has been directed to earmark seating arrangements for the controlling officers inside the house. The controlling officers of only the concerned departments about which there will be queries or proposals, will be allowed the privilege of being present during the monthly meeting.

"There have been instances when an MMiC has been unable to provide certain intricate details, when there are supplements to a particular question raised by councilors, pertaining to their queries. The controlling officers will be able to pass on the information immediately and queries will be met more efficiently and effectively," a senior official of KMC said.

There have been allegations from Opposition councillors that some MMiCs cannot provide them with all necessary details.

"The move will ensure that every single query is answered," the official added.

The Municipal Commissioner has also directed the de-merger of Parking and Amusement Tax department into two independent departments, citing exigency.

The Chief Manager (Amusement Tax) will report to Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh, while Chief Manager (Parking) will report to Member Mayor-in-Council (Parks & Gardens) Debasish Kumar.