The Hindu 20.03.2014
GVMC move to track movement of files
Aim is to track and act on them promptly
To track the movement of files and act promptly on them, the GVMC intends to introduce bar-coding of files.
From the moment the file is created on a subject by the employee concerned, a bar code is attached to it, the file is scanned, and the bar code enters the system.
From then on, at every level, including that of Additional Commissioners and the Commissioner, the procedure is repeated. While clearing the file too, it is followed.
Earlier, a file-tracking system was introduced. But at every level it had to be entered into the system. This led to complaints that it was as good as making entries for every file. In spite of the online tracking followed earlier, finding files proved to be difficult.
While one wing of the corporation maintained that the file had been handed over, the other wing countered it.
“To overcome this, bar-coding will be introduced and the Information Technology wing is working on creating the software required. Implementation process may begin in three weeks,” Municipal Commissioner M.V. Satyanarayana said on Wednesday.
Besides, a record room will be set up at the corporation with a modern compact filing system that can store large number of files.
Bills’ clearance
Delay in payment of bills to contractors has also led to repeated protests.
“Bills for works done used to take up to eight to nine months till about one-and-half years ago,” said Greater Visakha Municipal Contractors’ Association president R. Jagannadham. “Now, after repeated representations, it has come down to three to four months,” he said.
“But, EMD amount of Rs.15 crore for 4,000 to 5,000 works pending for a number of years is yet to be returned,” he complained.
The Municipal Commissioner said though the EMD amount was not much, it was leading to repeated complaints from contractors. Recently, an ‘EMD mela’ was organised and more than 2,000 applications were cleared, paying a total of Rs.60 lakh.
Help Desk
A Help Desk has been set up to help contractors submit their applications with a stamped receipt so as to clear them quickly.