Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) chairperson Mala Roy on Thursday strongly criticized a section of senior officials who were marked absent at the KMC House. The civic authority held its monthly meeting on the last day of April, which had been pending due to the elections.
Mandatory Attendance for Senior Officials
According to rules, it is mandatory for senior officials to remain present during House sessions. The chairperson, mayor, deputy mayor, or members of the Mayor-in-Council (MMiCs) may call them to the floor of the council chamber to consult on various issues. However, sources within KMC revealed that most senior officers were present at the headquarters. "But why some of them did not attend the House is unknown to us," a source said.
Roy's Remarks on Absentees
Roy stated that several senior officials, including those in the rank of Director General (DG) or chief managers, were absent while the House was in session. "The board is still being run by the mayor and his council. It is a must for them to attend the proceedings. I have heard that some of them left the headquarters to follow a circular that asked them to attend poll duties," Roy said.
Poll Duty Circular and Response
According to an official, municipal commissioner Smita Pandey, who is also the District Election Officer (DEO) of Kolkata North, issued a circular on Thursday asking senior officials to visit Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra for monitoring of security arrangements at the EVM strong room. "But only one official visited the strong room, that too in the morning," a source added. Pandey could not be contacted for comment.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the civic body's administration and its senior staff, especially during the election period when multiple duties overlap.
