MARGAO
Accountability, transparency and time-bound delivery of services will be the mantras of Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes as he has set on a vision to provide a citizen-centric administration.
Less than a week after he assumed office, the new Chief Officer has said certain changes are underway in the civic body to put in place accountability, transparency and time-bound delivery of services.
“In order to give a citizen-centric administration, citizens can WhatsApp me their grievances on my number 7030910926 if their work is kept pending beyond the specific period which will be informed to them shortly,” he said.
Agnelo has also drawn up plans to streamline the births and deaths section. “Birth/death corrections will be done within three days if all documents are in order. However the same can be expedited on the same day considering the urgency if any on case to case basis if the people can meet me personally,” he added.
While the Goa Waste Management Corporation has recommended the installation of biomethanation plants to address the garbage issue, the Chief Officer said the issue will be sorted out within a day’s time. “Public can click the photos, mention the location/landmark and send. The same will be immediately attended by the supervisor concerned,” he added.
Saying that winds of change in the attitude of MMC staff will also be visible in the corridors of the civic body, Agnelo said the staff will be motivated to play their due roles. “We will motivate the staff to change their behaviour. Measures will be taken to motivate them and work efficiently. Their behaviour and public interaction will be strictly monitored,” he added.
Warning that erring officials will be taken to task if there is any complaint, the Chief Officer has said that any public grievance will be strictly dealt with an iron hand.
“Indiscipline will not be tolerated at any cost. I know it is difficult to change the attitude of my staff but let me try,” he added.
Saying that ill-conceived and cumbersome rules and procedures will be simplified to make these easy and people-friendly, he said. “Work of locals and persons of Goan origin will be given top and will expedited in a hassle-free manner.”
“Duties by staff concerned will be discharged more effectively and honestly. Active citizen participation in administration/decision making and their suggestions will be taken for improvement.
Citizens charter will be put up shortly. The welfare of senior citizens with disabilities and destitutes will be attended in the most effective and positive manner. Want to make them feel that they are an important part of society,” he said.
Seeking cooperation of the people to make his plan a success, Agnelo said “I want to see the change and together we can.”
