The Hindu : Manjit Singh skirts controversy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 23, 2002

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Manjit Singh skirts controversy

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI JUNE 22. The Additional Commissioner (Slum) in Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Manjit Singh, today said that he had nothing to do with the controversy surrounding the unanimous resolution of the House for his re-appointment on ad hoc basis after he retires on June 30 as also the refusal of Delhi Lieutenant-Governor to implement it.

Breaking his silence on the controversial issue, Mr. Singh clarified that it was "primarily a matter between MCD and the Lieutenant-Governor relating to defining the powers in the eyes of law.'' In a statement, Mr. Singh denied allegations that there was any corruption cases or enquiry pending against him. "I am not facing any enquiry nor any charges have been framed against me nor any disciplinary proceedings are pending,'' he claimed.

Refuting the allegations about the controversial Mudvillage Society project, Mr. Singh said despite an investigation by the Crime Branch there was no prima-facie case against him or any of his officers. "Till date no chargesheet has been given to me nor any charges have been framed by the Court,'' he said. Mr. Singh was at pains to explain that all these allegations have affected his reputation.

Mr. Singh who has been the head of Slum and JJ Department of the MCD for about 18 years has become the issue of confrontation between the MCD and the Lieutenant-Governor, Vijai Kapoor. While the MCD is pressing for the ad-hoc appointment of Mr. Singh after his retirement, Mr. Kapoor has refused this by stating this was against the government rules and regulation.

The MCD Councillors argue that the presence of Mr. Singh in the civic body was a must for the successful completion of the Yamuna Action Plan and the resettlement of the thousands of slum dwellers. Without him being the head of Slum and JJ Department at this crucial juncture, it would be difficult to implement such an important project, the Councillors argue.

The Congress-ruled MCD has accused Mr. Kapoor of interfering in the matters of the democratically elected civic body. The Delhi Mayor, Jaishree Panwar, not only met Mr. Kapoor, lodging strong protest on the issue but also has written a letter referring to the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, that he was no authority to interfere in the matters of the MCD. Mr. Kapoor's reply to the letter is awaited.

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