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ShareMore than 2,200 employees with the assessor and collector (A&C) department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be taking lessons in yoga, change management, team work, stress relief, health issues among others from renowned specialist trainers from September onwards.
The trainers, many already identified, have experience of training corporate employees in similar programs.
The department, which collects octroi, property tax and other estate related duties for the corporation and is its largest source of revenue, has been plagued by dishonest and lethargic officials.
Only last week, the vigilance department seized a record 56 trucks that were allowed to enter the city from Thane without paying duty for steel rods, electronic items and gutkha packs.
Stressing on the importance of moral and family values and positive attitude, Joint Municipal Commissioner V Radha, the brain behind the idea, said, "We have found that many employees are low on self-esteem and morale.
Through the programme, we plan to work on their confidence. Each employee, no matter his class of employment, must begin to think that he can effect a change in the system. The employees are our partners in progress."
And while specialist trainers will undertake yoga classes, health camps, stress relief and food habit programs, services of a few retired officials with the experience of working for the department will be roped in for subject-level skills.
The training will be in a phased manner at scenic locations like Lonavala and Khandala. "We will form batches of 40 employees." She added,
"We also plan to involve wives of the employees. I will personally supervise the food and the arrangements at the venue."
Contending that there was a crying need for the department to upgrade its skills and values, Radha said, "We are giving them a chance to change all that." The model, if successful, could be put to use in other civic departments.
