NMMC & PCMC joint 3rd in state office reforms initiative; Ulhasnagar tops

NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have, in an impressive achievement, been ranked joint No. 3 in Maharashtra's 100-day office improvement initiative. The Quality Council of India evaluated six municipal corporations in the final from 29 participating civic bodies statewide. Ullhasnagar Municipal Corporation claimed the top position, with Pimpri Chinchwad behind it.Both BMC and TMC failed to find spots in the merit list.NMMC commissioner Kailas Shinde has led comprehensive improvements, emphasising on office upkeep, public services, and technological upgrades. "The website underwent significant enhancement, featuring AI chatbot integration and disability-friendly interfaces," Shinde said.PCMC commissioner Mangesh Chitale said, "We are happy that we gave a tough fight to the neighbouring cities in MMR. We are proud of our performance in providing various facilities to citizens. We secured 79.43% out of 100 in the competition."With Shinde at helm, NMMC digitalised 68 services under the Right to Public Services Act and introduced 41 additional services, with 37 accessible online. The initiative resulted in disposing of 2,766 obsolete items and identifying 106 abandoned vehicles for auction, with 32 already sold, noted Shinde.Activist Sameer Tupe, however, said, "Both NMMC and PCMC need to address several issues of residents which have not been taken seriously."An NMMC official reported the administration had organised over 3 lakh records, removed 50,299 dated documents, and renovated records rooms. It established a comprehensive grievance system through various platforms, including the My NMMC portal and app, ensuring swift response to public complaints."Office facilities received substantial upgrades, including renovated waiting areas, libraries, etc. The implementation of e-office systems enhanced operational efficiency, complemented by staff training in advanced technologies," said Shinde.Besides, the corporation implemented various central and state govt programmes, including PM SWANIDHI, Ayushman Bharat, and the National Clean Air Programme. It also established a single-window system for business permits and simplified property tax procedures, according to an NMMC official."Innovative waste management solutions include an integrated command control system with RFID technology. The 'NMMC Daksh' platform monitors civic infrastructure, while a pioneering textile waste management project, recognised by the PM, is being implemented through the ministry of textiles," he said.