Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
For the past five and a half years, the municipal corporation had no elected leadership. There was an administrative rule. As a result, officers and employees deputed by the state government found it relatively easy to function. However, from February 10, corporators will officially assume office. Even before that, reliable sources have revealed that some officers have started making moves to secure transfers.
Corporators and office-bearers are expected to seek detailed explanations regarding various works carried out over the last five and a half years. Anticipating this scrutiny, some officers have already chosen the path of transfer.
There are only two major political parties in the municipal corporation — the BJP and the AIMIM. Their stands are expected to be completely opposite. On the same issue, both parties are likely to express differing views. In such a scenario, officers often face difficulties while working, whether to heed the ruling party or the opposition becomes a challenging decision.
Over the past five and a half years, the administration has taken several major and minor decisions. These decisions will now be closely examined by the corporators. In the general body meetings, concerned officers will be required to respond to every issue raised. The administration has also committed certain mistakes, which corporators are expected to highlight. To avoid being caught in continuous questioning and accountability, some officers have opted for transfers and have already begun lobbying at the Mantralaya.
Sources said that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will be relaxed on February 7, after which transfer orders of some officers are likely to be issued.
Arbitrary functioning
Some officers deputed to the municipal corporation functioned in a highly arbitrary manner. A few of them even ignored phone calls from former elected representatives and former office-bearers. Some individuals were reportedly placed on a ‘blacklist’. Acting as though “their word was the law”, they carried out their duties. All these actions have been documented by the newly elected representatives. Officers are now beginning to realise what power truly means.