Adviser unhappy with its content, MC citizen charter deferred for second time

Dev told Chandigarh Newsline that he had instructed MC to ensure detailing of penalties against defaulting officials in case deadlines fixed for various services in the citizen charter are flouted.

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“I have also directed MC officials to incorporate the appellate structure for the further relief of citizens,” he added.

The MC, it is learnt, is now working on revising the citizen charter and it will be released soon with the amendments as proposed by the adviser. The penal action in case of delay in service delivery is also one of the selection criteria in smart city mission.

MC Commissioner Bhawna Garg said that they would examine the issue in the light of the adviser’s directions and take necessary action.

Residents hailed the adviser’s stand. Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairman, Federation of Sector Welfare Association, said that the adviser’s move was welcome since the charter had no meaning if officers were not held responsible for delay in services. “We hope that the coming
charter will be a big relief to the residents, as assured by adviser,” he said.

The charter assures the residents time-bound delivery on a number of issues. Cleaning of back service lanes, which is a major problem of the local residents, will be done within seven days after receiving a complaint. Similar removal of debris is guaranteed within five days.

Similarly, a new water connection will be allotted in a period ranging from one week to one month, depending on the water usage. New sewer connection will be given within two weeks.

The Municipal Corporation also claims to repair the faulty street light and park lights in 24 hours once the charter is launched.

The updated version of smart city app will also be launched along with citizen charter in which the facility of MC’s online grievance redressal system will be available.

Besides, there will be a provision in the app whereby people can click the photo of the garbage in their area or street and upload it with exact address and spot for necessary action.