The Hindu 07.01.2010
Corporation lays down new norms for repair works
R. Srikanth and Deepa H Ramakrishnan
CHENNAI: In an effort to control the expenditure on maintenance of its buildings, the Chennai Corporation has laid down new norms for repair works.
An order, issued to all department heads and officers in-charge of 10 zones, said officials must comply with the standardised rates.
For instance, higher secondary and high schools can spend only up to Rs.50,000 per year towards maintenance. For ward offices, the amount has been capped at Rs.15,000 a year, while the maximum that could be spent on maintenance of community halls is Rs.50,000, on commercial complexes Rs.10,000, on public conveniences Rs.5,000 and on kitchens in schools Rs.3,000.
The maintenance work includes whitewashing, which is to be carried out once in three years, and any minor electrical, plumbing or repair works, such as replacement of glass panes. If there is any other work it should be taken up under the Capital head, an official of the Corporation said.
Sources said funds would no longer be available for “sprucing up of offices” every time a new officer or an institution head takes over.
During a recent discussion on the revised estimate for 2009-10 and plan outlay for 2010-11 it was found that there were no norms or limits for building maintenance funds at the zonal level. Only after due consideration about the various needs of the buildings and the financial position of the civic body, the norms have been laid, the official added.
