AAP takes on SMC as standing committee removes municipal secretary on maternity leave

Till the post is filled, it was further decided, in charge of municipal secretary and deputy municipal secretary Sharad Patel will continue to deliver the responsibllities.

Speaking with The Indian Express, Paresh Patel said, “In the Khadi Samithi meeting of SMC held on February 25, 2022, the decision was taken to hire Vidhi Desai for the post of municipal secretary through an interview procedure. The probation period of such a post is only one year and on the basis of probation period, a decision is taken to make her permanent or not. Her probation period ended on March 9. She wenton maternity leave from April 10. Keeping in mind her work done during the last one year, the Standing Committee of Surat Municipal Corporation has decided to discontinue her services.”

“We have taken the decision as per the resolution passed by the SMC, dating back to 1980. We have also cancelled the waiting list of the probable candidates for the post of last year. Presently, the responsibility has been given to deputy secretary Sharad Patel, and since long he has been serving in the role.”

Taking up the issue, AAP councillor and Leader of Opposition Dharmesh Bhanderi wrote to Surat Municipal Corporation Mayor Hemali Boghawala on Friday evening.

In his letter, Bhanderi mentioned that Vidhi Desai — during her working period before going on maternity leave — had worked honestly and “without getting any notice during her probation period”.

“How can the BJP leaders with SMC take such a harsh decision at such a time when she is on maternity leave? It is our request, as you are also a woman and Mayor of Surat city…the woman needs justice,” he stated.

Bhanderi demanded that SMC should reveal the parameters used to judge her work. She got chosen for the post of municipal secretary at the age of 29, Bhanderi further said in his letter to Mayor Hemali Boghawala.

This is the latest issue that the AAP has latched on to in the Surat Municipal Corporation with a political controversy having been triggered.