September 2nd 2023.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is facing huge resentment from their employees after the Urban Development Department appointed Dr. Rahul Gethe as the Deputy Commissioner on a permanent basis. The employees’ unions are concerned with the rising number of officials on deputation from the state government, and the reduced number of promotions for employees of NMMC.
NMMC has achieved a number of feats on state and national levels since its conversion from Gram Panchayat to a Municipal Corporation in 1995. The budget of the corporation has gone up to ₹4925 crores from less than ₹50 crores. The employees have been working hard to reach this level, however, the state government has appointed around ten senior officials on deputation to the Municipal Corporation. This has led to the employees’ dissatisfaction with the administration, as they view it to be in the hands of the officers on deputation.
Ravindra Sawant, President of Navi Mumbai INTUC-Maharashtra Employees Union, has raised concerns over the appointment of Dr. Gethe and written to the Governor and Chief Minister demanding the cancellation of this appointment. He also mentioned that if the appointment is not revoked, he will move ahead to explore the legal process against the decision. According to Section 45 B of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation [Amendment] Act, 1949, the State Government must publish a notification in the Gazette and receive approval from the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council before appointing an officer from its service on deputation to 50% of the constitutional posts sanctioned during the establishment of the Municipal Corporation. In the case of Dr Gethe, this process was not followed and hence, his appointment is unlawful.
Recently, the NMMC has promoted 69 officials in 7 departments. This is a positive move for the employees of NMMC, as it ensures more promotions and job security for them. The employees’ unions hope that this is the first step towards restoring their trust in the NMMC’s administration.
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