3 cars meant for top civic officials are being used by engineers.
The misuse of three vehicles meant for officials of the rank of assistant municipal commissioners (AMCs) by civic engineers has cost the corporation over Rs3 crore. Since two AMC posts are lying vacant, the vehicles meant for them are being misused by the engineers. The use of each vehicle costs the civic body around Rs12 lakh per year.
According to civic officials, the vehicles were meant for the encroachment department of the BMC.
One AMC post each in the western and eastern suburbs have been lying vacant for more than three years.
The additional charge of these posts has been given to the AMC (city), who is using MH 01 ZA 483 Mahindra Bolero car.
According to records of the encroachment removal department, the AMC (western suburbs) has been allotted two Tata Spacio jeeps (MH 02 XA 9828) and (MH 02 XA 9830). The AMC (eastern suburbs) has been allotted a Tata Spacio jeep (MH 03 K 4594).
“But the three vehicles are being used by assistant engineers, who are not entitled for it,” said a civic official, requesting anonymity.
As per the rules, an assistant engineer is not entitled to a vehicle.
“These engineers are misusing the vehicles to move around in the city. Some of them are also using it to collect money or hafta from the illegal encroachers. The money spent on these vehicles either for maintenance or repairs are complete misuse of taxpayers’ money,” added the civic official.
Anand Wagralkar, deputy municipal commissioner of the encroachment removal department, admitted that the vehicles are being used by assistant engineers.
“Since we have less manpower, it is difficult for the assistant engineers to function, which is why these vehicles are given to them. It becomes easier for them to carry out the official work,” said Wagralkar.
The corporators have demanded action against the civic officials for allowing the misuse of vehicles.
“This is yet another example of misuse of public money. It should be investigated. The officials involved in it should be suspended,” said Devendra Amberkar, opposition leader in the BMC.
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