Order aims to ensure accountability amid allegations of missing official files
MARGAO
A day after taking over the reins of office, government-appointed Margao Municipal Administrator Srinet Kothwale has set in motion a process to establish a clear, accountable and time-bound system for receipt, scrutiny, marking and disposal of inward correspondence to avoid duplication, prevent delay and ensure the efficient functioning of the municipal council.
The Administrator’s order assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of serious allegations of official files going missing from the Municipal building.
Exercising powers under Section 299 of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968, the Administrator has issued a host of directions, relating to registration of all inward correspondence; placement before the Chief Officer; communications specifically addressed to the Administrator, besides urgent, critical and time-bound communications.
The Administrator has directed that no inward communication shall remain unregistered or be informally retained at any level, implying that all letters, representations, applications, complaints, notices, reports, government communications, court-related correspondence and other dak/ tapal received by hand delivery, post, courier, e-mail or through any other mode shall be duly received, stamped with the date of receipt and entered in the inward register or the appropriate electronic system immediately upon receipt.
The order has directed the Chief Officer to ensure that all inward communications are promptly scrutinised and marked to the appropriate section or officer; identify urgent and critical matters requiring immediate escalation; monitor timely action and disposal; periodically review pendency; and ensure that no communication requiring attention is overlooked or delayed.
The Administrator has clarified that the order regulates the internal receipt, routing and processing of correspondence, adding that the order shall not be construed as delegating to the Chief Officer any statutory power which is required to be exercised personally by the Administrator or by any other competent authority under the applicable law. “All earlier informal practices or instructions inconsistent with this order shall stand discontinued.
“This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall be circulated to all sections, branches and officials of the MMC for strict compliance”, the order added.
