Full-time civic commissioner fast-tracks files

After facing flak from members during a standing committee meeting, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) chief Abasaheb Jarhad has started clearing files but only after a lot of brainstorming and site visits.

Jarhad, former district collector of Thane, had the distinction of being an able administrator who had implemented several welfare schemes in Thane district, before he took over the charge as NMMC chief. NMMC corporators have now raised questions over his style of functioning, and cornered him for not clearing files promptly. At the last standing committee meeting, members questioned Jarhad on why he was sitting on nearly 1,000 files.

According to sources, the civic chief has now started clearing files, but not before holding meetings with concerned department heads. A detailed discussion is followed by a visit to the site personally.

dna of navi Mumbai was the first to highlight decision paralysis at the civic body due to the unwillingness of the municipal commissioner to sign any files.

Over 100-150 files of every department heads are either pending with the municipal commissioner for signature, or some were returned without being signed. A civic official said, “If there is any discrepancy in the file it can be pointed out and rectifications can be made. However, this kind of functioning is like showing distrust towards your subordinates.”

Another official added, “It is very tough to work like this. Earlier, nearly 25 applications used to be cleared during Lokshahi Din in two hours. On the Lokshahi Din held this month on September 2, only four applications were cleared in two hours.”

Meanwhile, Jarhad defended his style of functioning at the standing committee meeting held last week. “I should not be held responsible for the delay in clearing the files if they reach me incomplete. Any file has to be complete so that I can sign it. I have already instructed all department heads, and expect the files to reach me in that format.”