Journalism of Courage
The Dehu Road Cantonment Board (DCB) has tentatively agreed for privatisation of collection of octroi in a general body meeting held on Thursday,according to an official of the Cantonment Board.
He said that an Aurangabad-based firm is being considered for the job. The firm had quoted the highest tender amounting to Rs 9.30 crore per year.
The Board has placed certain conditions before the firm and the final decision will be taken only if these conditions are accepted. The Board has stated that the firm cannot impose fine,the cantonment staff will be present along with the firm’s staff among others, said N M Mahajan,chief of accounts department said.
The traders in the DCB observed a shut-down on Thursday demanding cancellation of decision to privatise collection of octroi as they feared private contractors would resort to arm-twisting measures to perk up their revenues. This was the second time of shut-down after September 25. Board member Sanjay Raut,who protested against the plan of privatisation of octroi said the DCB shouldnt go ahead with the decision as the private contractors may resort to corrupt practices and even use rogue elements in the collection of octroi.’
I will strongly protest the decision, Raut said,adding The surplus staff which will be created due to privitisation cant be used gainfully as the cantonment board cant remove the staff. The cantonment board should rather stress on more productivity among its own staff,he said.
