3 engineers refuse to be part of BMC demolition squad

Engineers union says they fear being made scapegoats as job involves dealing with politicians,anti-social elements.

Three civic officials,apparently fearing political backlash,have refused to become part of BMCs demolition squad formed to check illegal construction. The three sub-engineers have even refused promotion,fearing penalty in case they fail to take action against illegal structures in their wards.

Of the 12 engineers who have been promoted,three have refused to take up the post of designated officers. According to the BMCs administration policy of promotions,an employee should join the department he has been promoted to and posted in, said Manisha Mhaiskar,additional municipal commissioner. She added,As they have shown unwillingness,BMC has sent them back to their departments.

BMC recently appointed 65 designated officers across 24 wards to check illegal construction or modifications as per the amendment to the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. If these officers fail to take action against illegal structures,they face a fine of Rs 20,000 or up to six months imprisonment.

The sub-engineers have refused a good promotion because they fear that as designated officers,they will be made scapegoats. Senior officials have not been able to handle this task as it involves haggling with politicians or anti-social elements. Why should juniors face stringent conditions such as imprisonment and heavy fines? said Sainath Rajadhyaksha,general secretary of BMCs engineers union.

Earlier,the responsibility for projects (where Occupation Certificate was not given) lay with the building proposal department. Once the certificate was given,the onus was on regional assistant municipal commissioner (AMC),two ranks above assistant engineer.

According to a recent affidavit by BMC before Supreme Court,the city has more than 56,000 illegal buildings,of which 16,314 were detected in 2012 and 2013. According to the affidavit,the highest number of illegal buildings is in Andheri west and east (6,458 and 5,235 respectively).

sharvari.patwa@expressindia.com

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3 engineers refuse to be part of BMC demolition squad

Engineers union says they fear being made scapegoats as job involves dealing with politicians,anti-social elements.

Engineers union says they fear being made scapegoats as job involves dealing with politicians,anti-social elements.