'Missing' files issue dominate Madikeri CMC meeting

Elected reps blame officials; CMC commissioner denies any such documents missing

The issue of alleged missing of files related to various khata applicants dominated the City Municipal Council meeting on Thursday, with councillors cutting across party lines seeking measures to set right the issue.

K M Ganesh, a Congress councillor who switched over to Janata Dal (Secular) recently, alleged, “An estimated 300 files related to applications seeking change in khata have been missing. Who should be held accountable for that?”

Standing committee chairperson K S Ramesh blamed it on the City Municipal commissioner, as the officials are coming out with cliched excuses whenever the issue is raised. There are many applications submitted under form three and khata transfer, that remain to be disposed off, he added.

A Social Democratic Party of India (SPDI) councillor warned of besieging the City Municipal Council officer along with the general public if the authorities concerned failed to settle the issue. Such is the situation that the people are running from pillar to post for attesting the photocopy of their khatas.

Vice president K S Prakash said that 90% of the files are missing, with people cursing councillors during ward visits. The elected representatives are in a quandary due to inept officials, he said.

President Kaveramma Somanna, however, clarified that no files are missing.

Municipal Commissioner B Shubha said, “While 200 files against a total 728 files are disposed, 528 files remain to be disposed, with 103 among them at different levels.”

Following this, councillor Ameen Mohsin demanded that a meeting be convened once a month for clearance of files. Another councillor Chummi Devaiah wanted health inspectors to inspect incomplete underground drainage works. Most of the councillors also demanded repair of potholes as most of the roads are riddled with potholes due to UGD works.

Commissioner Shubha clarified that the UGD repair works are already on, with potholes being filled on a stretch of road near Kundurmotte Temple and Raja Seat.

Vice president Prakash demanded action against parking contractor at Raja Seat for levying parking fee according to his whims and fancy.