Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Feb 1: Sinking ideological differences, city corporators belonging to both the ruling party and the opposition came together in resenting what they termed as interference by the Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner (DC) in the city corporation’s affairs. The matter snow-balled into a major issue at the general session of the local city corporation held here on Monday January 31.
Raising the topic at the outset, former city mayor, Shankar Bhat, wanted to know the purpose of conducting the corporation’s development review meeting in the office of the DC, notwithstanding the fact that mayor and corporation commissioner are entrusted with the task of managing the affairs of the city corporation. “The DC is interfering with the routine affairs of the city corporation. This is feudalism. There is a need to draw the attention of the government towards this attitude through a letter addressed to the Chief Minister,” he demanded.
Opposition party leaders like D K Ashok Kumar, Shashidhar Hegde and Harinath too supported Bhat on the issue, and urged the district in-charge minister to look into the matter, as the corporation officials are faced with the need to work under the instructions of the deputy commissioner. Chairperson of the health standing committee, Shanta R, complained that there is a shortage of health personnel in the city, as the deputy commissioner has been deputing city corporation health officials to rural places. James D’Souza of the ruling party, independent corporator, Mariamma Thomas, and others too came down heavily on the deputy commissioner’s style of functioning.
City commissioner, Dr Vijayaprakash, pointed out that the respective deputy commissioners are needed to give attention to urban development issues, and they have since long been issuing of instructions to the local administrations in all the districts. “Our city corporation has always maintained a cordial relationship with the office of the DC, and the district administration has a role to play in urban development. The present DC has given guidance on issues like collection of garbage from houses,” he said, appealing for continuing to maintain a cordial relationship with DC’s office as before.
City mayor, Rajani Dugganna, remarked that the DC, before convening meetings of corporation officials, should take the corporation administration into confidence. She said she will hold talks with the DC to sort out the issue of deputing city corporation staff on outstation assignments.
The mayor also directed the corporation officials not to attend any meetings after 3 pm, and to remain in their offices without fail after that time.
Deputy mayor, Rajendra Kumar, was present.