CEAN appeals for more transparency in preventing corruption in local bodies in the Nilgiris

The Confederation of Setting Associations of Nilgiris (CEAN) has appealed to the authorities to institute more checks and balances to stop corruption in municipalities and local bodies in the Nilgiris.

The appeals had been made to the Collector by retired IAS officer, Surjit Ok. Chaudhary, Chairperson and Coordinator of CEAN, following the latest arrest of the Coonoor Municipality Commissioner, M.Ilamparithi, by the DVAC police.

“There have been many public complaints of corruption and misdoings in Coonoor and Kotagiri municipalities, for permitting unauthorised buildings below his management. It was informally delivered to the discover of the superior authorities additionally… An identical incident had occurred earlier with Gomathi, then Tahsildar of Kotagiri. It has been repeatedly, formally and informally, delivered to the discover of the district administration that many Municipal Commissioners, Government Officers of the City Panchayats, Secretaries of the Panchayats are indulging in corruption by knowingly permitting unauthorised building of buildings with out the orders of the Collector and AAA Committee.” CEAN stated in their letter to the Collector that was shared with the press.

He stated that village, city and municipality-level committees have to be constituted below the management of designated income officers to watch unauthorised constructions on a day-to-day foundation, with clearly outlined members at every administrative stage. These committees have to be tasked with reporting violations instantly, whereas a district-level monitoring committee headed by the Collector ought to conduct weekly evaluations to make sure efficient oversight. Any deviations from these directions or public complaints not recognized by the committees ought to be taken significantly, with deterrent disciplinary motion initiated to curb such violations. To help environment friendly reporting and monitoring, an appropriate on-line system ought to be developed for straightforward and well timed submission of knowledge, he stated.