Tuesday, Jan 20, 2004
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2004 |
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Kochi
By Our Staff Reporter
KOCHI, JAN. 19. The Kochi Corporation has decided to convene a separate session to discuss the recent criticism of its performance by the Ombudsman for Local bodies, Justice K.P. Radhakrishna Menon. The council meeting on Monday, which was chaired by the Deputy Mayor, A.V. George, in the absence of the Mayor, C. M. Dinesh Mani, also decided to take remedial measures in consultation with the Mayor. The UDF Council party leader, A.B. Sabu, who raised the issue at the council meeting, used to the occasion to pull up the civic administration for its various acts of omission and commission citing the criticism made by the Ombudsman. He accused the Corporation of having failed to perform its duties. The Corporation failed to implement many of the decisions taken by the Council, he said. Mr. Sabu also reminded the council of the ruling by the Ombudsman that it may be forced to exercise its authority to dissolve the Corporation if it failed to carry out its duties. K. M. Hamsakunju, councillor, wanted the Corporation authorities to present before the Ombudsman the fiscal position of the Corporation and the limited resources available to it. Replying to the discussion, the Deputy Mayor said that the Corporation was doing its best despite financial constraints. The Corporation would initiate steps for rectifying the defects in its functioning as pointed out by the Ombudsman, he added. The agenda seeking exemption of entertainment tax for an exhibition held recently in the city irked many of the councillors. The councillors, N. Venugopal, T.J. Vinod, K. H. Khalid and others said that the tendency to seek tax exemption from the State Government and then approach the Corporation for ratification should be stopped. If the situation continues, it would be a drain on the Corporation's coffers, they said. K. J. Antony, councillor, wanted an explanation from the civic authorities as to whether the huge kerosene storage tanks that were erected near the new Mattanchery Bridge had the clearance of the civic body. The tanks were erected at a strategically important zone near the Naval airport. A few petrol bunks were also located near the tanks, he pointed out. The council meeting was a low-key affair today as the Mayor, the Corporation secretary and several members did not turn up. The Corporation condoled the death of the former freedom fighter and State Minister, Kanthalottu Kunjambu, and the former Corporation councillor, A. V. John. The LDF Corporation council party will meet here at 2 p.m. on Friday to finalise the reshuffle of the standing committee chairpersons. The names of new chairpersons are likely to be announced on Friday afternoon, according to LDF leaders in the Council.
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