Community opinion spread over transfer

Nagpur: The news of municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s transfer flooded social media circles from Wednesday evening onwards with everyone having a strong opinion about it.
While some welcomed the decision to transfer Mundhe, others were critical of the move to change “captain” amid the battle against Covid. A protest against Mundhe’s transfer has been planned by Nagpur Vikas Parishad at Samvidhan Chowk on Friday.
Dipen Agrawal, president of Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry and Trade (CAMIT) said the news was a welcome one, as the culture of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and traders working together had taken a hit during Mundhe’s tenure. “His one-sided diktats against traders had created panic and unease. When Covid cases were low in the city, he took all the credit. But when the cases increased, traders were blamed. Mundhe’s style of functioning is not conducive for an environment where every stakeholder is consulted to find a solution,” said Agrawal.
Shiv Rao, president of Vidarbha Economic Development Council, said, “I think this is not the best time to transfer a bureaucrat as we are heading into a Covid-19 peak by mid-September. Best to have the same person managing affairs. At the same time, we do not agree with Mundhe’s diktat about traders and licence. But these things could have been resolved through dialogue.”
After Mundhe crossed swords with traders, Nag Vidarbha Chambers of Commerce (NVCC) was vocal about their unhappiness. Ashwin Mehadia, president of NVCC, “thanked” chief minister Uddhav Thackeray for the decision. “CM listened to what traders here had to say. Traders had observed a one-day bandh and this (transfer) is because of it,” said Mehadia.
Nagpur Residential Hotels Association (NRHA) president Tejinder Singh Renu said, “Recently, it was evident that there was lack of coordination between municipal commissioner and elected representatives and this friction caused the citizens, especially the traders and taxpayers, to suffer for no reason. The transfer is no reason to rejoice, but a message for public servants and political leaders to work together.”
Dr Anoop Marar, director of Orange City Hospital as well as office-bearer of Vidarbha Hospitals Association (VHA), said, “Mundhe’s absence will be genuinely felt by Nagpurians. Although his style of working might have irked many, his daring attitude to take any crisis head-on has been essential during pressing times and needs to be appreciated.”
Kaustuv Chatterjee, founder of NGO Green Vigil, said, “Nagpur is passing through a tough time and changing captain at this crucial point is surprising. Vision clashes of various sections were evident. Hope all stakeholders will join hands with new commissioner in handling this crucial phase.”
Girish Dewani, secretary of Vidarbha Wine Merchants Association, said business was badly affected due to Mundhe’s unilateral decisions. “He did some good things initially to control the pandemic, but that’s a separate thing. For wine shops, he refused to allow sale for walk-in customers. Despite numerous requests, the municipal commissioner refused to listen even though in all other districts situation was completely different,” said Dewani.
Rajeev Jaiswal, president of Nagpur District Permit Room Association, said it is crucial for bureaucrats to work with local stakeholders. “Officers posted here must be progressive, but at the same time their attitude cannot be autocratic. Traders have been part of the community for decades and all decisions must be taken after taking stakeholders into confidence,” said Jaiswal.
Sanjeev Tare of NGO Ethicality Assurance Centre said, “Mundhe has played a crucial role in controlling the spread of Covid-19 and despite testing positive, he continued to work from isolation. Government should let him continue in the current post till the pandemic subsides.”
Anu Chhabrani, president of NGO Swachh Association, said, “Only a few egos have been satisfied with this transfer. Currently, city is reaching its Covid-19 peak and for a new officer to take charge and understand the situation will be a bit difficult.”
Social activist Dinesh Naidu said Mundhe will have to add on diplomacy skills to honest repertoire. “Your intentions get defeated by your attitude. Despite his splendid performance, transfer was always on the cards because of autocratic traits. Hope he soon learns that being a non-corrupt administrator is not enough to run the show in a democracy,” said Naidu.