The Indian Express 19.12.2013
PCMC sets up ‘special system’ to take up complaints, suggestions of corporators
THE Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has decided to set up a special system to take note of complaints and suggestions made by corporators. The move follows complaints from corporators that they were being sidelined after PCMC started the SARATHI helpline.
"We have set up a special tracking system to resolve the complaints made by corporators as also take up their suggestions on priority. Actually, we had been taken up their complaints on priority, but since some corporators complained we have decided to set a special tracking system," said Municipal Commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi. The civic chief said complaints made by corporators, whether written, oral and now through SARATHI, would get due weightage.
Over a month ago, Pune Newsline had highlighted how SARATHI helpline had cut corporators to size as citizens were calling up the helpline number 8888006666, registering their complaints or seeking information instead of rushing to the corporators. This development irked the corporators so much that they had started grumbling that they were fast losing their identity and importance in the Pardeshi-led regime.
Senior civic officials said complaints made by the corporators were actually long-term ones. "These complaints do not require to be made on SARATHI, which is basically meant for immediate solution for problems like overflowing drainage or leaking water pipeline," said an official.
Civic activists said small complaints should never go to corporators. "But corporators want people to make a beeline at their residence to increase their importance. Actually, it is the administration's job. Corporators have been using the system to their advantage. Since all that is not going to happen now, they are worried," said activist Lahoo Landge.
The civic administration had started implementing SARATHI (System of Assisting Residents and Tourists through Helpline Information) from August 15. The helpline has become popular among the citizens as it receiving over 200 calls every day.
