KOCHI: Opposition members in the City Corporation council were vociferous on the crucial files which have gone missing over the years, alleging that it was a conspiracy to save a few. The council meeting on Tuesday witnessed noisy scenes over the issue and the opposition demanded a comprehensive vigilance probe on all the files that went missing from the civic body office over the years.
However, Mayor Soumini Jain said that a vigilance probe was already underway on instances of missing files and therefore the local body could not recommend another inquiry. Not satisfied with her reply, CPM councillors started shouting slogans and disrupted the council proceedings following which Ms. Jain adjourned the session after announcing that the agenda was passed.
Based on a notice from the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau, the Corporation secretary recently sent a note to all head of departments and superintendents instructing that they should ensure safe upkeep and custody of all files and office- related matters. There have been allegations that some files - pertaining to shady deals - are still being kept by retired corporation officials.
There are also complaints against some contractors who have the civic body’s files with them. CPM councillor V.P Chandran alleged that there were hundreds of files on building permits that were given violating CRZ norms. “More than 80 sacks of files have gone missing during the previous council’s term. The secretary’s note is making all the officials corrupt and the Mayor should make it clear which are the missing files,” he said.
