The Hindu : New Delhi News : Transparency is the key, says new MCD chief

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Thursday, Feb 21, 2008
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Transparency is the key, says new MCD chief

Staff Reporter

‘Special emphasis on computerisation of administration and going online in all fields of public interaction’

‘MCD to aim at on-lining of birth and death certificates and property tax in particular’
‘Our property tax department has to be geared up to strengthen MCD’s revenue base’

NEW DELHI: Stating that transparency, accountability and governance are on top of his agenda, senior Indian Administrative Services Officer of 1978 batch K.S. Mehra assumed charge as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi on Wednesday.

Mr. Mehra, who took over charge from Ashok Kumar Nigam, served as Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Land and Building in the Delhi Government, prior to his present assignment.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Mehra said: “My priority would be to bring in an administration that is transparent and accountable. In this direction, I would like to lay special emphasis on computerisation of our administrative mechanisms and going online in all fields of public interaction to ensure minimum inconvenience to the citizens whilst reducing corruption.”

Stand on sealing

According to Mr. Mehra, the MCD would be aiming at computerisation and on-lining of birth and death certificates, sanctioned building plans and property tax in particular.

Commenting on the civic body’s stand on sealings and demolitions undertaken by the MCD in the Capital, the Commissioner said the MCD would act only as per the orders of the various Government and judiciary institutions involved in the matter. “I would like to solve the problem of sealing and demolition by co-ordinating with the different agencies involved. Be it the High Court, Supreme Court, Union Government or Delhi Government, we will take into account everything and then proceed accordingly within the purview of the law.”

“It is very important to honour the High Court and the Supreme Court and the due directions will be complied with,” he added.

On the progress of ongoing and planned projects of the MCD in the near future, Mr Mehra reassured that he shall ensure the civic body’s plans to redevelop Shahjahanabad build multi-lot parking and slaughter house are actualised and completed according to a time bound schedule.

Elaborating his stand on other priority areas such as revenue collection and education, the Commissioner said: “There is a strong need for strengthening the MCD’s revenue base for which our property tax department has to be geared up. Also we have to improve our schools and primary education so that children can be provided improved facilities to the best extent possible.”

Work in tandem

Reacting to a query on MCD’ s role in the Commonwealth Games 2010, Mr Mehra said: “We have to work in co-operation with other bodies involved such as the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Government, New Delhi Municipal Council among others and we shall endeavour to discharge our responsibilities and complete the projects in a scheduled manner.”

Mr. Mehra also brings with him the rich experience of working in MCD as Additional Commissioner (Health and Education) for about two years between 1999-2001. He has also worked as Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Textile. Having held various important positions in State Government and the Central Government, he also has wide experience of co-ordination of local bodies like MCD with Government and its institutions at different levels.

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