BMC report slams Clea for poor PR

Brought in during the civic strike between March 21 to 27 this year, Clea was appointed on a monthly retainer charge of Rs 3 lakh for three months.

The report, prepared by Chief PRO D Shivjatak severely criticises Clea for a bill for Rs 67,446 submitted by it for the six-day strike period. It states that since many of the bills were found dubious, the agency was asked to re-submit a proper complete bill. The new bill had Rs 17,000 less than the original one!

The report further states that Clea did not live up to the job entrusted by BMC. “Their work was of a preliminary nature and done in a confused state of mind. The media pointed out shortcomings in their functioning and did not get required information from them,” it states. The report said though Clea was a failure during the strike and had no proper understanding of BMC, it was appointed from April 17 for three months.

The report subtly refers to a discord between additional municipal commissioner A K Jain and Nalinakshan. It says in the March 31 meeting with Jain, it was decided that BMC’s PR department would handle day-to-day PR, while Clea would look after the image-building exercise. For starters, they were asked to concentrate on getting publicity for important public works including cleanliness, health, water, education and pre-monsoon nullah cleaning. However, contrastingly, earlier on March 25, Nalinakshan had introduced Clea to all department heads and chief engineers. The report interestingly remarks that Jain was not present at this meeting.

The report says evaluation done in a month-and-a-half shows Clea has done nothing worthwhile towards building the corporate image or public awareness of BMC. “The work expected from them — to portray the image of BMC — was negligible, save for two-three small reports. What work they claimed to have been done was already done by the BMC PRO,” it states.

The report says if they continue in the same manner in future, the very purpose of appointing them will be negated. It states that Rs 3 lakh are being paid to them monthly, which works to Rs 10,000 per day. Besides, BMC will also have to pay for its conveyance, telephone, mobile, stationery and publicity expenses, it added. “They are ill-informed about BMC and inexperienced in PR work. They do not enjoy good rapport with reporters, and the media has been lambasting them. Giving them an extension is not binding on BMC as no official contract has been signed. In fact, because of their appointment, more negative reports have been appearing against the administration,” it stated.

When contacted, additional municipal commissioner A K Jain said, “They indicated they do not want to continue further and will stop working from June 15.” This is a month ahead of the stipulated three months schedule. Jain clarified no payment will be made after that date.