Mangaluru: With 777 of its 1,801 sanctioned posts vacant, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is grappling with a severe staff shortage that is challenging the implementation of key civic projects and essential services.The cabinet has resolved to provide a special grant of Rs 400 crore to convert and improve damaged city roads and has allocated Rs 100 crore for underground drainage (UGD) works.However, with 44% of posts vacant, implementing these and other key projects is expected to be a challenge.MCC commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey said the corporation currently has a working strength of 1,024, comprising 507 employees in municipal services, 33 personnel on deputation and 484 engaged through outsourcing or direct payment. The engineering wing faces significant vacancies.All three sanctioned posts of executive engineers are vacant, while 11 of the 16 sanctioned assistant engineer posts are unfilled. Of the four sanctioned environment engineer posts, only one has been filled. The health section is also short-staffed. Of the 23 sanctioned health inspector posts, only nine are occupied, leaving 14 vacant.Of the 70 sanctioned posts of second division assistants, 38 have been filled. Meanwhile, 34 of the 45 sanctioned bill collector posts remain vacant, the commissioner said.During urban development minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s visit, the MCC requested govt to fill the vacant posts on a priority basis. “We requested the minister to urgently fill the vacant posts in the city corporation on a priority basis for the smooth functioning of the corporation’s activities, the comprehensive development of the city and in the interest of the public,” Pandey said.The MCC must also prepare detailed plans to expand the UGD network, as nearly 35% of the city currently has no coverage. At the same time, it must expedite several ongoing projects, including the Jalasiri 24×7 drinking water scheme, LED streetlighting project, completion of market complexes and works under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagara Vikasa Yojane (MGNVY). These projects must be undertaken alongside routine municipal administration, which is increasingly difficult as the corporation operates with a significantly reduced workforce.
