Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Mayor Malti Rai has strongly objected to allegations that public representatives are responsible for delays in government file processing, and has demanded the implementation of an online file tracking system.
In a letter to Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department, Sanjay Shukla, Mayor Rai termed the accusations “undignified” and “unacceptable.”
The letter, written on Thursday, came in response to a circular issued on May 28 by the Directorate, which appeared to hold Mayors and Mayor-in-Council (MIC) members accountable for administrative delays.
Expressing disapproval, Rai wrote that shifting the blame onto elected representatives, without factual basis, undermines their dignity and misrepresents the real issues. “All mayors and chairpersons are fully aware of their duties under the Municipal Corporation Act-1956. They act in public interest and work to resolve matters promptly,” she said.
She said that in many cases, files are delayed due to inaction from commissioners and officials even after being cleared by the MIC. “Holding mayors accountable in such situations is misleading,” she said.
Rai also raised objections to a directive mandating that all files be resolved within 10 days, calling it impractical and disconnected from ground realities.
Transparency must: Rai
Mayor Rai recommended that the Urban Administration Department implement a digital tracking system for file movements. “This system should clearly show which officer is holding a file and for how long. Transparency in the process will ensure accountability at all levels,” she said.
