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E-Governance

Computerise complaint system: CIC to Delhi’s civic agencies

Tuesday, 06 August 2013 10:06 administrator
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The Indian Express     06.08.2013 

Computerise complaint system: CIC to Delhi’s civic agencies

The Central Information Commission has directed the three municipal corporations in the national capital to undertake a time-bound programme for computerisation of complaints registration and disposal process.

Using its powers under the Right to Information Act, the Commission directed all the three Municipal Commissioners to allocate funds for the purpose.

The case relates to complaints of illegal constructions in Shahdara on which an RTI applicant had sought details of action taken by the municipal corporation.

Not getting satisfactory response from the civic body, the applicant approached CIC which noted that in most cases information on illegal constructions is not provided to the appellant on the grounds that the complaint is not traceable.

"This situation results in more vigorous exercise by the complainants and citizens of the rights given under the RTI Act, thereby causing strain on the scarce resources of the public authority," it said.

Information Commissioner Deepak Sandhu said this unnecessary burden can be reduced by putting in place a computerised system for recording the journey of the complaint from the point of receipt up to its final disposal.

 

MUDA email facilities

Tuesday, 06 August 2013 04:45 administrator
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The Hindu               06.08.2013 

MUDA email facilities

Special Correspondent

The Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) said that the public could use its email facilities to seek information. In a release, MUDA said issues related to building plans, change of land use, master plans, and zonal regulations, among others, could be posed to the town planning member at tpm@mudamysore.gov.in for details. Similarly for issues related to development of layouts, civil works and basic amenities, the Superintendent Engineer could be contacted at se@mudamysore.gov.in.

For information related to sites, contact secretary@mudamysore.gov.in. Issues related to refund may be clarified with the Chief Accounts Officer (cao@mudamysore.gov.in) while matters of land acquisition could be posed to the Special Land Acquisition Officer (slao@mudamysore.gov.in). For further information or on issues not coming under these officers, contact info@mudamysore.gov.in, the release added.

 

In a first, South corpn installs cameras in midday meal kitchens to monitor quality

Saturday, 03 August 2013 07:12 administrator
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The Indian Express            03.08.2013

In a first, South corpn installs cameras in midday meal kitchens to monitor quality

The South Municipal Corporation has installed cameras in all midday meal kitchens under its jurisdiction, making it the first civic body in the country to implement surveillance in the kitchens.

The unique initiative will now enable the civic agency to monitor NGO kitchens supplying midday meals to its schools, and keep a close watch on food preparation and distribution.

The decision to install the cameras in the kitchens comes in the backdrop of the tragedy in Bihar, in which 23 children lost their lives after consuming contaminated midday meals.

The cameras have been set up inside main kitchens of NGOs, apart from godowns, storage and packaging areas, and areas where the meals are loaded on trucks. Footage will be stored for 30 days and senior corporation officials will be able to view it anytime.

"While on surprise visits to several schools, we realised that it was impossible to effectively monitor everything by visiting the premise alone. What was required was constant surveillance, through which we could ensure that standards were adhered to strictly. The webcams will help us monitor just that," South corporation education committee chairman Satish Upadhyay said.

In addition, the body has also set up a dedicated helpline in its headquarters and in midday meal kitchens, where people can call in to complain about shortcomings in quality and supply of food. The NGOs have also been directed to appoint a nutrition expert in their facilities, who has to ensure that the body follows the prescribed standards in terms of quality of raw materials.

The body has also instructed all workers engaged in midday meal preparation and distribution to carry their photo identity cards and wear prescribed uniforms.

A corpus fund of Rs 6.9 crore has been kept aside for the midday meal scheme.

Currently, three NGOs — Ekta Shakti Foundation, Isckon Food Relief Foundation and Jay Gee Humanitarian Society — provide midday meals to schools in NDMC areas. Over 3 lakh students from 589 primary schools and 14 nursery schools are served food everyday.

 
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