Date:11/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/11/stories/2008111154090400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Duties of Corporation secretary redefined

Special Correspondent

Additional secretaries appointed in all city Corporations in State

Decision taken in view of increase in workload
Move expected to tone up functioning of Corporations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State government has redefined the responsibilities of the Secretary, Additional Secretary and Deputy Secretary following the creation of the post of an Additional Secretary in each of the five city Corporations.

The decision was made taking into consideration the increase in workload, which includes, apart from utilisation of Plan funds, the running of institutions handed over to them as part of the decentralisation process.

The Secretary will continue to be in overall control. The statutory powers as per the Kerala Municipal Act will also be vested with him.

He will also handle matters connected with the council, Plan implementation and matters relating to town planning. Expenditure of over Rs.1 lakh will be cleared by him.

The control of staff of the level of Superintendent and above and the authority to take disciplinary action against them will also be vested with him. The Secretary can also personally look into the fixing of tax of buildings that fetch over Rs.25,000 per annum.

The Additional Secretary will be in charge of the functioning of the standing committees of the council, organising of meetings to be attended by the Mayor, chairmen of standing committees and Secretary, clearance of expenditure of up to Rs.1 lakh, the authority to take disciplinary action against staff up to the level of Superintendent, disbursal of salary, matters connected with the Right to Information, day to day administration of institutions transferred to the city Corporation and the issue of licences and clearances under the Municipal Act.

Corporation assets

The protection of the assets of the Corporation, tax collection and the control of staff deputed for it will be vested with the Deputy Secretary.

He will also oversee the preparation of the budget and will be in charge of the distribution on time of various social security pensions and unemployment allowance. He will have the authority to look into the fixing of tax of buildings which can fetch up to Rs.25,000 per annum.

Of the responsibilities being discharged by the Secretary himself now, 84 have been handed over to the Additional Secretary and 43 to the Deputy Secretary through the redefining exercise.

It is expected to tone up the functioning of the Corporations and improve services to the people.