Municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar seems to be shaking the BMC to its very foundations in his bid to make a dent in the corrupt goings-on in the civic body.
Municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar seems to be shaking the BMC to its very foundations in his bid to make a dent in the corrupt goings-on in the civic body. He is taking on no less than the builder lobby, which, many say, is the only one that actually gets anything worthwhile done by civic officials.
Kumar recently remarked, “I have been receiving a slew of housing proposals that includes many flowerbeds, but I hardly see any flowers in the city.” That was his sarcastic take on the misuse of the free-of-FSI policy under which builders sell space that falls under this category — flowerbeds, parking areas and balcony space — by labelling it as ‘loading’ or ‘super built-up’ area. This area is later used to increase the size of houses citing space constraints.
What is worrying builders is the implication that Kumar is reading even the fine print in each proposal. They fear his zeal might eventually lead to changes in policy to prevent misuse, something that will enjoy widespread support among citizens. In the worst case scenario for them, Kumar might become too popular to dislodge or even bulldoze into silence.
Kumar’s actions are also giving sleepless nights to corrupt officials. Junior officials have stopped forwarding proposals to the commissioner fearing an interrogation by him. Officials who try to justify various proposals eventually end up tying themselves in knots. Hence, the new mantra is: speak less and answer only when asked. Being forthcoming with information can only land them in trouble.
Earlier commissioners succumbed to political pressure. But Kumar retires in a year. He is not afraid of treading on a few toes and seems determined to clean the mess in the BMC. Above all, he has the courage to take the bull by its horns. For instance his promotion policy has not given priority to backward-class employees as he prefers to give priority to efficiency at work.
The first rumblings were heard when some officials complained that Kumar was rude and arrogant while dealing with subordinates. As a result, some officials want an immediate transfer from risky departments such as building proposals and development plan, while others are trying to get out of the corporation by any means. According to the grapevine, one senior additional commissioner was literally pleading with a senior politician to take him away from the BMC. Can’t blame him; not only is he facing the prospect of working hard to earn his pay, he might also have to stop living off builders.
During the long Good Friday-Easter weekend last month, civic officials planned to visit a hill station at the expense of some contractors. But Kumar put a spoke in the wheel by summoning them for a review meeting that Friday. He, however, ensured that they had a sumptuous lunch. If Subodh Kumar succeeds in cleaning the Aegean stables of the BMC, citizens definitely won’t pull him up for that extravaganza.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}