Civic officials walked out of the standing committee hall during the weekly meeting on Wednesday after Congress corporator Santosh Shetty, who was unhappy with the reply given by the administration, passed derogatory remarks against deputy municipal commissioner, Dadasaheb Chabukswar.
Shetty had sought information from the administration on the Rs10 lakh to be given by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) for the Global Konkan Fest, which will be held in the satellite city from December 14-17. NCP corporator Shivram Patil seconded Shetty’s remark saying, “Whether NMMC had the power to give Rs10 lakh to such kind of festival.”
“He [Chabukswar] is coming here and talking like a popat [parrot]. He has not allayed the concerns raised by me,” said Shetty. No sooner did Congress corporator say this, officials protested and walked out of the standing committee hall.
An official said, “This happens every time during civic meetings. Officials are made scapegoats for no fault of theirs, every time. We have been working according to the rules and despite this corporators are targeting us.”
Shetty, who raised the matter, said, “Why is the administration distinguishing between organisers who conduct such events. There are events like the Aagri-Koli Mahotsav by the locals. Why doesn’t NMMC donate money to such events then? What is the logic behind giving away Rs10 lakh for this fest. My suggestion is that there should be no distinction between any fest and money should be donated to each of these events.”
Chabukswar said, “Global Konkan organisers requested for Rs50 lakh. The Rs10 lakh that we gave them includes rentals and costs for setting up the stalls. Other municipal corporations in the region, too, have given away similar amounts for the fest. We will be showcasing our achievements during this fest.” It was then that Shetty made the derogatory statement against the official.
Vaibhav Gaikwad of NCP, said, “When NMMC was participating in the same fest in Mumbai, no one objected to the expenses. Now that it is being held in Navi Mumbai, why is there such a hue and cry.”
Sensing the mood of corporators, Vikram Shinde, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Suresh Kulkarni, wound up the proceedings after clearing the proposal.
Shetty, later speaking to mediapersons, said, “I am not against NMMC giving money to such fests, but then every event should be treated equally and funds should be made available to all.”
Remarks were later removed from the meeting proceedings.
Anger over remark
Civic officials walked out of the standing committee hall during the weekly meeting after Congress corporator Santosh Shetty, who was unhappy with the reply given by the administration, passed derogatory remarks against deputy municipal commissioner, Dadasaheb Chabukswar
Santosh Shetty, later speaking to mediapersons, said, “I am not against the NMMC giving money to such fests, but then every event should be treated equally and funds should be made available to all”
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