BMC wants to continue with 145;clean-up marshals146;

The civic standing committee on Wednesday is expected to take a decision on the proposal.Last November, the civic body had short listed four private security agencies to implement the 8216;Greater Mumbai cleanliness and sanitation bylaws-20068217; and fine people for littering, spitting or dirtying roads in any other manner. Two agencies 8212; Akansha Apang Seva Sahakari Sanstha and Sulabh Suraksha Rakshak Sahakari 8212; were appointed a few months back taking the total number of contractors to six.

However, the civic administration plans to continue the contract with only four agencies. 8220;These two agencies, which were hired later, will be given the chance to complete their contract period but we will not absorb them for next year. We have received various complaints about their performance and other issues. In any case, the original plan stated that the agencies will be appointed on a contract basis for a year and not more,8221; said chief engineer from the solid waste managements department, Ahmed Kareem.

8220;We are demoralised to carry out the work and there is a lot of political interference,8221; said Rafiq Mujawar of the Sulabh Suraksha Rakshak Sahakari.

Surendra Kharat from the Akanksha Apang Seva Sahakari Sanstha Ltd said this is a surprising decision. 8220;We took up the job when many refused. We hope to complete our stint successfully. While we are aware that the civic body has received several complaints about funds, we are not a part of it. We have a clean record,8221; he said.

When the programme was flagged off a year ago, it received lot of enthusiasm. But now, security agencies admit that they are struggling to maintain with the number of marshals and to keep the profit up. While the BMC has earned Rs 2.57 crore by fining 76,000 defaulters and made another 50,000 opt for community services, the non co-operating attitude of the defaulters have not got down well with the marshals.