New MCC chief's posting challenged

M R Ravi, assumed charge as the Commissioner of MCC for the second time here on Tuesday. However, indications are that the term of the newly-appointed Commissioner of Mysore City Corporation (MCC), will be shortlived, as Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) is expected to issue a judgement regarding his appointment today.

According to credible sources, a petition has been filed by outgoing Commissioner P G Ramesh in KAT regarding Ravi’s appointment, alleging that it was in violation with Cadre and Recruitment (C&R) rules of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
As per C&R rules, a person appointed as commissioner of a City Corporation must either be an Indian Administrative Service officer or Karnataka Administrative Service ‘selection’ grade officer or Karnataka Municipal Administrative Service ‘selection’ grade officer.

However, sources said, Ravi was not yet a ‘selection’ grade officer, due to which his appointment is likely to be revoked. “Since, he was not a ‘selection’ grade officer during his previous appointment as Commissioner of MCC, Ravi was transferred from MCC,” the source said.

Priorities

Ravi told reporters that priority will be given to cleanliness during Dasara, owing to large tourist inflow.

He said, problems related to streetlights and developmental works needed immediate attention, which would be looked into at the earliest.

He noted that Dasara works will be completed in time. “Strict action against erring officers will be taken, while contractors will be blacklisted for sub-standard works. The same was done last year,” Ravi said.