Nagpur Civic Row: Transport Dept Records Seized Without Written Orders
A significant controversy has erupted within the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) transport department, following allegations that sensitive administrative records were collected from bus depots and offices without any written authorization. This incident has triggered widespread confusion and resentment among civic administration officials, raising serious questions about procedural compliance.
Verbal Instructions Spark Confusion
The individuals who collected the documents reportedly cited verbal instructions from transport committee chairperson Mangala Khekare, leaving department staff and officials uncertain about the legitimacy of the request. Khekare admitted that she had sought the documents, explaining that the move was intended to review decisions taken during administrator rule, including penalties imposed, payments made, and other operational aspects of the Aapli Bus system.
She stated that she issued verbal instructions because she did not have an official letterhead yet. Khekare added that the collected information would be studied in detail, and necessary action would be taken based on the findings.
Department Officials Initially Refused
Transport department sources confirmed the development, noting that the situation unfolded when a few persons arrived at various Aapli Bus depots and transport offices seeking operational records "sought by the committee chairperson." Department officials initially refused to hand over the documents, citing the absence of a written order—a mandatory requirement under civic administrative procedures.
However, the visitors reportedly connected depot officials to Khekare over phone calls. Soon, the staff were persuaded to share the information, and the documents were allegedly copied onto a pen drive and handed over.
Bypassing Established Protocols
The incident quickly created a stir within the department, with several officials privately expressing concern that the procedure bypassed established administrative protocols under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations (MMC) Act. The data collected reportedly pertains to operations under the gross cost contract (GCC) system implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the city's Aapli Bus services.
Officials said the records include sensitive operational details as well as information related to private contractors and other stakeholders associated with the project. Under normal circumstances, such information is provided only after written authorization from the competent authority and through officially deputed department personnel.
Raising Questions About Compliance
In this case, however, records were allegedly obtained without any formal documentation, raising questions about procedural compliance. The development has triggered unease among transport department officials, private operators, and contractors, many of whom fear the episode could lead to administrative complications and disrupt ongoing operations.
Civic officials also pointed out that both the standing committee and the transport committee have been granted significant powers within the corporation, but even those powers must be exercised through formal administrative procedures. Deputy municipal commissioner and transport manager Meghna Wasankar did not respond to calls and text messages seeking clarification on the matter.
This incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to established protocols in civic governance to maintain transparency and accountability.
