Monsoon disrupts Johny’s transfer to new job

MUMBAI: It is the hottest seat in the city and Johny Joseph may no longer sit in it. According to highly placed sources in Mantralaya, the city municipal commissioner is on his way out. Joseph, who had apparently asked for a deputation to Delhi, has been posted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) as chairman.

The decision to release Joseph, however, now lies with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who could insist that the commissioner not abandon his station at least till the end of the monsoon. Deshmukh is in Delhi and was unavailable for comment.

Political parties in the BMC are unanimously opposed to the commissioner being moved out at this crucial period. The arrival of the monsoon in Mumbai has already filled people with consternation. The consensus is that a new appointee, far from being able to react swiftly in such a critical situation, would take at least six months to understand the job.

Joseph confirmed that he had heard of his transfer but said, "I have not received any official order." JNPT’s chair became vacant when Ravi Budhiraja retired on May 31.

The BMC chief is reported to have told a close aide, "I know many officers are eager to take my position. But little do they know that once they sit on this chair, they have to face the media moguls 24x7."

Joseph’s most likely replacement will be Ramanand Tiwari, principal secretary in the housing department.