Kochi: While pressure is mounting on the city corporation to repair damaged roads and take up other infrastructure work under the People’s Plan, the absence of officials in some of its key posts is making it hard for the civic agency to carry out all the work expected of it.
With many of its top posts, including that of corporation secretary and health officer lying vacant for the past few months, the civic agency's day to day functioning is also now being impacted, according to sources.
While P.M Francis was apointed secretary after Ajith Patil’s exit, he went on leave soon afterwards and later confessed his reluctance to continue in the post. The corporation council then passed a resolution to have him removed.
“The additional secretary is handling the responsibilities, but considering the nature of the work which involves laisoning with various government departments and presenting the agency’s development projects to the Central authorities and foreign agencies, the corporation needs an experienced IAS officer to handle its affairs,” say sources.
The health wing is not able to function very well either in the absence of a health officer for the last several months.
The corporation is reportedly finding it hard to fill the vacancy owing to the shortage of qualified medical graduates in the municipal services.
While it needs someone with expertise in public health administration for the job, it has apparently not come across many who fit this bill.
“Medical officers are reluctant to join the municipal service due to the poor salaries on offer. We are managing with the help of experienced health inspectors and supervisors,” said T.K Ashraf, health standing committee chairman.
Next: Metro pillars to don work of arts
Metro pillars to don work of arts
Kochi: Apart from the travel pleasure it offers, it seems the Kochi Metro would be a stop for art lovers.
For the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi has proposed to depict noted artists’ works on metro pillars on the entire stretch from Aluva to Pettah.
“We’ve suggested that the works be displayed on the pillars free of cost. I’ve informed the District Collector and we will have discussions with KMRL authorities soon,” said Akademi Chairman K.A.Francis.
Ernakulam District Collector P.I.Sheik Pareeth welcomed the initiative and said the effort would give a distinct identity to Kochi Metro.
“They are planning to conduct a camp after completing the first phase of the metro.
It would include artists from around the country who will display their talent.
For this purpose, the central portion of the pillars would be covered with steel plates,” he said.
