Title - Sanjeev Jaiswal leaves after setting austerity guideline

NAGPUR: Municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal remained true to rules despite opposition and pressure. Even on his last day at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Jaiswal set guidelines for implementation of budget, he made new schemes proposed in it subject to availability of funds.Jaiswal said that the budget presented by the chairman of standing committee Dayashankar Tiwari was Rs 250-300 crore more than estimated revenue. "NMC's revenue may go up to Rs 1,000 crore if ready reckoner-based property tax was implemented and there was no compromise in octroi rates. Still, it would not reach Rs 1,200-1,300 crore that budget assumes. Many developmental projects are going on and require funds for completion. We should ensure ongoing projects are completed first and then go for new schemes. If all new schemes are implemented, the liability will rise. Besides, the projects will not be completed in time. Therefore, new schemes will be implemented in phased manner and subject to flow of funds. NMC is already having a liability of Rs 40 crore," he said.The corporators from ruling and opposition group had appreciated the schemes proposed by Tiwari but feared about where the funds for them would come. After setting guidelines for budget, Jaiswal handed over the charge to collector Saurabh Rao who is also holding the additional charge of additional municipal commissioner. Additional deputy municipal commissioner Ravindra Kumbhare and other officials were present.Terming his two years at the NMC a success, Jaiswal said much needed to be done for improvement of the city. "Road network, drainage and sewage system are needed. I succeeded in preparing the City Sanitation Plan but it needs to be approved by the Central government. The ongoing railway over and underbridges are nearing completion. The 24x7 water supply project, Kanhan water treatment plant, garbage treatment plant, tree census, e-Governance, city beautification, dialysis centre are some projects completed in my tenure. Projects like Nag river and lakes rejuvenation, sewage treatment plants and system are pending with government and may change entire scenario after implementation," he said.Stressing the need for unity among the office bearers and corporators on developmental issues, Jaiswal said that projects like city bus service required political will and respect to PPP model for success. "Government should make NMC the agency for Gunthewari Act instead of NIT for providing better services to the areas in outskirts. Notices to around 1,100 unauthorized constructions have been issued and require action. The assistant commissioners of all zones have been given powers for taking action. The anti-encroachment drive should continue. All these will improve the city further," he said.Asked about scrapping of cess on petrol and diesel, Jaiswal denied a comment but stated that the NMC was committed to implement IRDP Road Project. "Revenue of NMC increased by Rs 250-300 crore in last two years. Need is to increase the revenue by rationalizing the property tax and levy of some charges proposed by the Centre," he said adding that the city was far better than many others in the state.