Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) is planning to say good bye to the existing “cleaning contract” system and is expected to start a new system of appointing Pourakarmikas directly on contract basis, in addition to having its own cleaning materials, including vehicles.
In a special general body meeting of the HDMC held in Hubballi, to discuss this issue, HDMC Commissioner Siddhalingayya Hiremath stated that the state government had already issued an order which is applicable for all urban local bodies, while a circular from the Labour Department was awaited.
Meanwhile, an action plan is being prepared to arrange materials required for cleaning works. A proposal to purchase 120 auto tippers has been moved to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA). New health inspectors would be appointed and service of retired health inspectors would be availed.
As the existing contract system was causing several problems, the government decided to do away with it he said adding that in the last four months, Rs 37.50 Lakh penalty was imposed on erring cleaning contractors and bills of Rs. 71 Lakh were withheld, he added.
Mayor D K Chavan directed the HDMC commissioner to prepare the action plan for running the new cleaning system, in consultation with all party leaders.
Corporator Veeranna Savadi of BJP alleged that cleanliness was not maintained across the twin cities while the HDMC general body was kept in dark regarding the new system to be launched.
