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Former clerk at BMC ranks first among NGO's list of corporators

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The Indian Express         04.09.2013

Former clerk at BMC ranks first among NGO's list of corporators

Hemangi Worlikar, 41, won her first election in February 2012. A former clerk at BMC, Worlikar has been ranked one among 227 BMC corporators in a survey conducted by NGO Praja Foundation.

Seven among the top 10 corporators named by the NGO are women. candidates were ranked based on opinion of electorates and data received from household surveys. Around 24,594 samples were taken into account.

Eight years ago, homemaker Worlikar joined the BMC as a clerk under an executive engineer at the water supply and sewerage department. Her job profile then was to prepare proposals and move files for sanctions. Six years later, Shiv Sena (SS) candidate Worlikar was elected from ward no188 — that includes Worli Village, Adarsh Nagar and Janta Colony among others —. She bagged10,441 votes.

On being elected, Worlikar introduced a system of garbage collection in push-carts at night. "Worli Koliwada, surrounded by the sea on three sides, was a breeding ground for garbage disposed on the shore. The push-carts at night were brought in, in addition to the morning garbage collection," said Worlikar.

Worlikar is currently working to facilitate two separate lines for sewerage and storm water which are connected to one line in Worli Koliwada. "More than 100 years old, the Shankar Mandir in my ward has been in the proposed list of heritage sites. The listing has caused redevelopment work on the old residential buildings surrounding the temple to be stalled, as structures in 10 metres of a heritage site is prohibited by BMC," said the Worli corporator.

She is currently working on the redevelopment work on the old buildings to get started.

Known as an active participant in House sessions at BMC, Worlikar was always enthusiastic about her work. Nilakshi Desai, under whom Worlikar worked, said, "Once when I was away on a two-month leave, Worlikar had handled all the work at the office with ease. She was active and enthusiatic."

In her first term alone, Worlikar surpassed many of her seniors in the rank card. SS leader Yashodar Phanse, who ranked third in the list, said, "She was always hardworking and always took her work seriously. It is no surprise that she has topped the list."  

 

New MCC chief's posting challenged

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Deccan Herald           04.09.2013

New MCC chief's posting challenged

M R Ravi, assumed charge as the Commissioner of MCC for the second time here on Tuesday. However, indications are that the term of the newly-appointed Commissioner of Mysore City Corporation (MCC), will be shortlived, as Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) is expected to issue a judgement regarding his appointment today.

According to credible sources, a petition has been filed by outgoing Commissioner P G Ramesh in KAT regarding Ravi’s appointment, alleging that it was in violation with Cadre and Recruitment (C&R) rules of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
As per C&R rules, a person appointed as commissioner of a City Corporation must either be an Indian Administrative Service officer or Karnataka Administrative Service ‘selection’ grade officer or Karnataka Municipal Administrative Service ‘selection’ grade officer.

However, sources said, Ravi was not yet a ‘selection’ grade officer, due to which his appointment is likely to be revoked. “Since, he was not a ‘selection’ grade officer during his previous appointment as Commissioner of MCC, Ravi was transferred from MCC,” the source said.

Priorities

Ravi told reporters that priority will be given to cleanliness during Dasara, owing to large tourist inflow.

He said, problems related to streetlights and developmental works needed immediate attention, which would be looked into at the earliest.

He noted that Dasara works will be completed in time. “Strict action against erring officers will be taken, while contractors will be blacklisted for sub-standard works. The same was done last year,” Ravi said.
 

BMC polls: security forces conduct flag march in wards

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The Hindu              04.09.2013

BMC polls: security forces conduct flag march in wards

Policemen conducting a flag march for peaceful municipal elections in Berhampur on Tuesday.— PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT
Policemen conducting a flag march for peaceful municipal elections in Berhampur on Tuesday.— PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT

Armed police have started flag march in different wards of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) as part of enhancement of security for maintenance of law and order during the continuing process of elections of the BMC.

Amitabh Thakur, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of police, southern range, is monitoring the security arrangements all around the city through patrolling. In an effort to reach out extreme congested areas even cycles are being used during patrolling by the police officials. On Monday late night, the DIG along with other police officials came out on cycles to take stock of security arrangement and law and order situation in different areas of the city.

On Tuesday, armed security forces conducted flag march in five wards and such flag marches would continue in various parts of the city till the end of the election process, said the DIG. To enhance police presence in the BMC area, five more platoons of extra force would be deployed by Wednesday. Seven platoons of extra forces would be deployed in other urban centres of Ganjam district where local body elections are to be held. One extra platoon of security forces would also be deputed to Paralakhemundi in Ganjapati district for the urban body polls.

Strict orders

Extra vehicles have been provided to Berhampur and Ganjam police districts for increasing patrolling during urban body election process. Each police station in Berhampur now has at least three vehicles for patrolling. All commercial establishments and liquor shops have been given strict orders to pull down their shutters by 10 p.m.

There were allegations that some criminals lodged in Berhampur circle jail were also involved in threatening candidates contesting the BMC polls. During a raid inside the Berhampur circle jail on Monday two mobile phones have been seized. “We are now investigating the call details of these two mobile phones,” Mr. Thakur said.

DIG of southern range takes stock of the security arrangements and law and order situation.

 


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