Date:17/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/17/stories/2008031758500500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Move to fine public hygiene offenders put off

Staff Reporter

Photo: M. Vedhan

FEEDBACK TIME: Councillors present their reactions to the Chennai Corporation budget for 2008-09 at the recent council meeting presided over by Mayor M. Subramanian. —

CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation has postponed the initiative to fine offenders against public hygiene to June 1. Since the local body had to implement the budgetary proposals including construction of 100 new urinals and purchase of compactors to transport garbage before beginning to fine such offences, the initial proposal to start fining by April 1 is being delayed by two months, Mayor M. Subramanian said recently.

Presenting new proposals, he said the Corporation would undertake all expenses for the higher education of the children of ‘vettiyaans’ who have earlier been given the designation of crematorium assistants and provided a salary by the local body.

The Napier Bridge would be decorated with lighting as part of the beautification of the Marina. Two floating fountains have been proposed at locations including the Cooum. Tenders have been called for and are being examined. They would be at a distance of 100 metres from the seashore and would rise to a height of 100 feet with multi-coloured lighting.

The council welcomed the proposal to increase sitting fees for councillors to Rs. 1,000 from the current Rs. 800. The sitting fee for ward committee meetings is being increased to Rs. 500 from Rs. 50. Councillors would also be paid Rs. 500 for standing committee meetings.

The Mayor also proposed that yoga practice would be provided to councillors as well. The proposal in the budget had covered the Corporation officials and workers. The Village Health Nurses have also been provided the new designation of ‘City Health Nurse,’ besides an increased allowance for the purchase of uniforms of Rs. 500 from the Rs. 250 given earlier.