MC eyes ‘gate-cashing’ in society complexes

The MC has decided to set up gates at exit and entrance points of various sectors,which would also be used for advertising purpose. The aim: to get its cash registers ringing along with providing “better” security cover to residents.

While till now it was residents’ welfare associations that installed gates and the expenditure was taken care by contributions from residents,the MC would be outsourcing the job to private players.

The entire plan is exactly on the lines of the billboards that were set up across Panchkula a few months back.

“We would be inviting bids from private firms that would install gates in different sectors. These would also carry advertisements,revenue generated from which would come in our kitty,” said OP Sihag,executive officer,MC.

While the MC is earning a revenue of over a crore annually with the billboards,the gates would make the MC richer in lakhs. However,the official was quick to defend that the sole purpose of these gates is not only to get rich but to provide security to residents.

While several sectors like Sector 4,6,7,12 already have gates manning them,the MC would extend its services to the remaining ones. The administration has been apprised of the proposal and the MC hopes to go ahead with it by November this year.

The proposal would,meanwhile,not curtail the role of RWAs in security matters. The onus of appointing guards would lie on the RWAs. “We would be involved only with construction. These associations will look after the other issues like which gates to close at night,timings till they would remain open and appointing guards,” stated Sihag.