Fatehgarh Sahib civic body grapples with staff shortage

Surinder Bhardwaj

Fatehgarh Sahib, June 12

Residents of the district are facing a tough time in getting their work done at the municipal council due to a shortage of staff, including sweepers. Political infighting between council president Sher Singh, who belongs to the SAD, and Congress councillors led by MLA Kuljit Nagra has added to their woes.   

The ongoing development works have come to a standstill after the formation of the new government. Works related to approval for site plans and getting NOCs have been affected due to staff shortage.

Plot owners have been running from pillar to post to get their site’s plan approved owing to lack of regularisation policy. In the absence of any policy, the council is suffering a financial loss. 

Most of the roads in the town are in a dilapidated condition as these have been dug up to lay sewer lines. Commuters are facing problems due to potholes, mud and dirty water accumulated on these roads. 

Heaps of garbage can be seen in every nook and corner due to a shortage of sweepers. There are only 48 permanent sweepers while more than 200 are required.

Due to the infighting, no meeting of the council has been held for the past one year. In the absence of the meeting, no decision has been taken on hiring sweepers on a daily basis  and to initiate any development project. 

Many officials such as assistant municipal engineer and accountant hold additional charge. Many posts have been lying vacant as no recruitment has been taken place in the council since 1994.

Sher Singh, president of the municipal council, said the funds provided by the previous government had been withdrawn. “MLA Kuljit Nagra wants to rule the council and due to political interference, no official wants to come here. I have convened a meeting four times to discuss various issues, but the MLA got the meeting postponed by using his influence,” he added.

MLA Nagra denied the allegations of political interference. He said corruption in the council would not be tolerated. He said the president himself was a property dealer and the days of land mafia were over.

Residents suffer 

• The ongoing development works have come to a standstill after the formation of the new government. Works related to approval for site plans and getting NOCs have been affected due to staff shortage. 
• Plot owners have been running from pillar to post to get their site's plan approved owing to lack of regularisation policy. In the absence of any policy, the council is suffering a financial loss. 
• Most of the roads in the town are in a dilapidated condition as these have been dug up to lay sewer lines. Commuters are facing problems due to potholes while mud and dirty water accumulated on these roads.