The Hindu 26.11.2009

Over 22,000 ‘bogus’ workers in MCD: Biometric report

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Looking to clear the air on the actual number of employees working in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and throw light on any “irregularities” being carried out in the name of “bogus” employees, a fact-finding report on the biometric system of attendance was tabled in the civic body on Wednesday.

Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain informed that there was a gap of 22,853 employees between the total number of employees working in the MCD and the number enrolled for the biometric system in the civic body.

The Mayor said as per information provided by the Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and the Heads of Departments in the MCD, the total number of regular as well as miscellaneous category employees working in the civic body was 127,094 while those who have actually enrolled for the biometric system of attendance is only 104,241, indicating a gap of 22,853 employees.

“This necessitates further investigation to ascertain the fate of 22,853 employees supposed to be drawing salary from the MCD treasury which is estimated at Rs.17 crore per month. We would go into the full depth of the matter to ascertain the facts by conducting an in-depth vigilance inquiry. Strict disciplinary action would be taken against defaulting officials,” he added.

The MCD had introduced the biometric system of attendance from August 1 last year initially at the MCD Headquarters at Town Hall and at the Commissioner’s Office Complex at Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi Gate, as a reform measure to bring in transparency and ensure punctuality and efficiency of its working staff. With the passage of time, the system covered all the employees across its 12 zones and 40 departments where over 200 DDOs of the MCD prepare their salaries that get disbursed through the electronic clearance system. Dr. Sain said: “The report brings to light the fact that the biometric system of marking daily attendance in MCD offices has proved to be a grand success. The key reformist measure in good governance indicates a gap of 22,853 employees in the MCD which would now be looked into.”

Deccan Chronicle 25.11.2009

Bengaluru
Nov. 24: Acting on a report that appeared in Deccan Chronicle on October 4, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will replace corroded underground drainage pipes to prevent overflowing drains and water contamination at Cambridge Layout in Ulsoor.

The project estimated to cost Rs 1.6 crore will come as a relief to residents of Cambridge Layout 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th crosses, where open wells and borewells had been contaminated by the sewage water due to corroded pipes which are more than 50 years old. BWSSB officials said an underground drainage pipe with a capacity of 1,600 mm will be laid connecting Challaghatta Valley to Cambridge Layout. Work has already begun and replacement of the pipe which will stretch across 650 metres will be done within three months, said a BWSSB engineer.

The second leg of the work is likely to begin in the next 10 days, he said. Underground drainage pipes near Isro Layout and Adarsha Theatre will also be to prevent sewage from entering the stormwater drains (SWDs) and contaminating drinking water. Care will also be taken in areas where utilities like electricity wires and drinking water pipes are running, added the engineer.

“Flooding has been a perennial problem and it aggravates during the monsoon season. The roads have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and hence, children and senior citizens fall sick very often,” said A.B.S. Ramani, a resident of Cambridge Layout. After this newspaper had carried a report highlighting the difficulties faced by the residents of Cambridge Layout, MLA of the area M.A. Harris had paid a visit to the area with other officials and promised to replace the defunct pipes and ensure safe drinking water.