The Indian Express              13.08.2013

PCMC to launch helpline centre for citizens, tourists

The announcement to set up the helpline centre was made by Municipal Commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi at a press conference held at PCMC headquarters Monday. Mayor Mohini Lande and NCP House leader Mangala Kadam were also present.

The civic chief said the helpline centre has been set up at the old general body meeting hall at the PCMC headquarters. "To begin with, queries will be answered in Marathi only and in a while, queries in English will also be answered," he said.

The helpline centre will initially function from 7 am to 10 pm. "Later on, we plan to make it 24 X 7," he said. It will not be toll free.

The helpline centre will become functional on August 15. The centre is being set up under PCMC's 'SARATHI' (system of assisting residents and tourists through helpline information) plan.

"Along with phone numbers, the information about SARATHI would be available on SARATHI's website," Pardeshi said.

Pardeshi said the helpline will provide information about civic departments, their functioning, civic services and help citizens regarding documents required for getting proposals approved. "The helpline is not for complaints. But, in case of emergencies like a burst pipeline or an overflowing drain, the complaint will be taken up and attended to on a priority basis," he said.

Pardeshi said PCMC will announce helpline numbers through SMSes and provide the numbers on water bills and property taxes.