BMC will continue to give info to media: Subodh Kumar

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) always provides factual information to the media and will strive for the same, announced civic chief Subodh Kumar on Wednesday.

After reports on Tuesday that Kumar had apparently asked other civic officials to not give any information to the media without permission or punitive action would be taken against them, the municipal commissioner sought to clarify his stand.

“To spread proper and factual information among the citizens, regular press conferences and visits are organised by the BMC,” he added. The officials may give factual information to the press in the larger interest of citizens. “BMC never says no to any officers to give the factual information,” Kumar added.

He clarified that he has not issued any circular or given any directives to the higher officers of BMC. However, officials who are part of the additional municipal commissioner project were directed by the commissioner as a routine matter not to give any wrong information about the budgetary provisions, Kumar added.

“Giving such information to the press prior to the presentation of budget estimates to the standing committee may amount to contempt of statutory authorities of the BMC,” Kumar said.