The strained Shiv Sena-BJP relations in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are likely to deteriorate further, this time over the appointment of a municipal chief auditor (MCA).
The strained Shiv Sena-BJP relations in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are likely to deteriorate further, this time over the appointment of a municipal chief auditor (MCA). The BJP-led state government’s decision to appoint an MCA in the civic body has irked not only the Sena, but also the employees union.
The state finance department last week issued orders to appoint Suresh Bansode as the MCA. As per Section 78 (A) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act 1888, the corporation from time to time should appoint a fit person to be a municipal chief auditor who shall perform such duties as he is directed by this Act to perform and such other duties with regard to the audit of accounts of the municipal funds.
However, in the year 2011-2012, the Act was amended as Section 78 A (1), which said that the post of MCA shall be filled by a suitable officer appointed on deputation by the state government from the Maharashtra Finance and Accounts Services. The move was challenged by the Municipal Mazdoor Union in the high court, claiming that it would hamper civic officials’ promotions.
Civic employees are annoyed by the appointment of Mr Bansode. “The court order had clearly asked to maintain a status quo over the issue and yet the state government has appointed an MCA,” said one of the officials on the condition of anonymity.
It is learned that Mr Bansode had gone to the BMC on June 18 but was not able to take charge after MCA employees presented him with the court order.
The Sena leaders are also irked over the state government’s decision. “We have always opposed any appointments done from outside as it would affect the promotions of the staff within. The work of MCA is to inquire into the workings of the BMC administration and present to the standing committee. Why there should be an outside person for this ” asked civic standing committee chairman Shailesh Phanse.
