With theft cases mounting,MCD plans more security at 345 halls

Realising that miscreants regularly steal fixtures such as bulbs and ceiling fans from its community halls

Realising that miscreants regularly steal fixtures such as bulbs and ceiling fans from its community halls,the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to recruit more private security guards to provide round-the-clock security. At present,the MCD only has 315 guards to guard 345 community halls and other public centres. However,as at least three security personnel are supposed to be present at each centre at any given time,the actual requirement is more than 1,035 guards.

However,due to shortage of funds,the MCD is planning to recruit just 198 security guards on a contractual basis. The MCD favours contractual arrangements because it saves money. The civic body does not have to pay retirement benefits to contract employees,¿ said a senior official.

Besides putting the brakes on constant financial loss,the agency also aims to ensure that its halls are presentable enough to hold marriages and social functions through this move. The responsibility for ensuring the security of other MCD institutions such as recreation centres for senior citizens,training centres for women,swimming pools and sport complexes will also be given to the private agency.

Story continues below this ad

The last time MCD had gone on a recruitment spree was in 1994,when it had 134 community halls. Back then,395 posts were sanctioned but only 315 were filled. Ever since,89 new community halls have come up taking the total number up to 223. Other than that,there are 59 physical centres,six swimming pools and various other centres that need security, said a senior MCD official.

If MCD is to save its assets from beings stolen,it needs to put a good security system in place. We also intend to prevent anti-social elements from entering the centres and misusing them, he added.

The MCD has 223 community halls and physical centres,six swimming pools,33 community centres,two sports complexes and 30 senior citizen recreation points,besides centres that provide vocational training to women. Though five to 10 centres of the kind come up every year,no posts are created to maintain them.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram