Chandrashekhar tells NMC to prepare master plan for city

"The NMC now spends money on these issues under various heads, as a result of which the outcome (of the expenditure) is not visible," he said. Rather than spending the money in bits and pieces, it was required that it is spent (on projects) under one head, he added.

His no-nonsense attitude and his success story at Thane even drove the office-bearers of the NMC to assure Chandrashekhar that adequate funds will be made available to his projects.

Earlier, Chandrashekhar took charge from outgoing Commissioner Nanak Ramteke. Speaking to newspersons thereafter, he informed that he would ascertain the problems of the people of the city and acknowledge their expectations before setting his priorities. "That would not take much time," Chandrashekhar added meaning that he was all set to get on with his job. He said that Nagpur was the fourth municipal body he will be working with, the earlier ones being Kalyan, Thane and a brief stint at Ulhas Nagar. Problems of civic bodies are more or less the same, the Commissioner added.

Replying to a question, Chandrashekhar said that it will not be imperative that he would take the encroachment problem on a priority basis here too. "In Thane, encroachment was the major problem as the land available there is less. But situation may not be the same here," he quipped assuring that his efforts will be directed at city-specific problems.

He attributed his success at Thane to a joint efforts by the people, media and a strong political will. He refuted that he would face any problem here owing to different political parties being at the helm of affairs in the NMC and the State government. The BJP is a ruling party here as it is in Thane, he said.

Commenting on the financial problems faced by local self-governments, he said that the situation is similar elsewhere too. He felt the need to create awareness among people to contribute in the development by paying taxes. "Paying tax should not be a burden," he said. Unless people pay taxes, a municipal body cannot offer development, he added.

Chandrashekhar informed that the budget outlay of Thane corporation rose from approximately Rs 150 crore when he joined, to Rs 350 crore when he left. He hoped to do a similar job here too. Commenting on the present water tax structure at Nagpur, Chandrashekhar hinted at it being replaced by a uniform flat rate. He also said that the NMC will go in for reassessment of properties to expand the tax base.

The Municipal Commissioner said that he would attempt to have excellent coordination with the elected representatives as both share equal responsibility for the development.

Ramteke fails to take charge

Outgoing Municipal Commissioner Nanak Ramteke, who has been transferred to the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) as the Chairman, could not take over as the present Chairman, Vasudeorao Gorde, reportedly received government instructions not to hand over the charge. Ramteke, who rang up Gorde soon after he handed over charge to T Chandrashekhar, received a rude shock when Gorde informed that he had been asked by the Chief Minister’s office not to hand over charge and wait for further instructions.

Ramteke told newspersons that although Gorde was informed by the CM’s office, he was ignorant of such development. According to sources, the hand over was stalled as the government is likely to make further changes soon.