The Times of India 01.02.2011
DC flayed for ‘interfering’ with MCC decisions
MANGALORE: It was a strange `unity’ lasting around 30-minutes that one witnessed in the monthly council meeting of the Manglore City Corporation
here on Monday. Corporators of ruling BJP and opposition Congress who
are more often than not at each other’s throats came together to lambast
DC Subodh Yadav for what they felt was the official’s unwarranted
interference in the routine administrative issues of the civic body.
Leader of the opposition Ashok D K started a flurry of complaints from the corporators, when he suggested to the mayor Rajani Dugganna
henceforth set aside a chair for the DC on the stage for all future
council meetings. Former mayor Shankar Bhat said the DC chaired
development meetings of the civic body and dictating terms to MCC on
supply of water to Ullal Town Municipal Council and other issues.
R Shantha, chairperson, standing committee on health complained that
the DC instructed officials of health department to serve in rural
areas. Shashidhar Hegde, former mayor, stating that the DC’s overbearing
attitude reflected the administrative failure of MCC, said such action
was infringing on the sovereign decision making powers of the body. Bhat
said the MCC needs the DC’s cooperation and guidance and not his
interference.
Harinath, former opposition leader, said the DC
should exercise his powers to scrap the master plan instead of tinkering
with the administrative issues of the civic body. Ranganath Kini, chief
whip said the DC is calling the shots on `Own Your Park, Own Your Road’
scheme as well as the solid waste management scheme. James D’Souza,
corporator said the DC has no powers to interfere in the administration
of MCC as per the KMC Act.
MCC commissioner K N Vijay Prakash
calmed the frayed tempers when he pointed that the DC has a few plans
for the betterment of the city, and his suggestions and guidance should
not be construed as interference. Under insistence from the council, the
mayor said she would take up the issue with the DC and appraise him
about the feelings of the corporators. After this rare bonhomie, the
corporators were again at each other’s throats.
