Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), which has drawn criticism over the outsourcing of various civic services, has now decided to outsource the operations of its crematoriums. The VMC was recently in the dock when elected representatives were peeved at the condition of some crematoriums.
VMC has been outsourcing several services by appointing agencies to handle operations and management of drainage, water supply and other similar functions. It even hires drivers from agencies and has long done away with its own security guards, opting for agencies instead. The civic body has now decided to do the same for its crematoriums.
The civic body recently brought out tenders to appoint agencies to run the crematoriums in each of the four municipal zones. It will be doing away with existing personnel who are employed on a daily-wage basis at the crematoriums.
The total expense for paying these agencies is estimated to be Rs 10.43 lakh. After a tender was floated, three agencies were identified. One won the bids for the crematoriums in the South and West Zones, while the contracts for the North and East Zones went to other agencies. In all, the civic body will spend Rs 10.17 crore on these outsourced services.
VMC's medical officer (health) Dr Devesh Patel said that outsourcing was necessary due to a shortage of manpower. He added that the civic body will also save around Rs 4 crore after the existing staff are relieved. Effectively, the civic body will spend around Rs 6 crore.
Elected representatives and activists slammed the civic body for the condition of the crematoriums in the city in the recent past. The issue was also raised by councillors at the general board meeting. Outsourcing is expected to change this situation. The standing committee of the civic body is expected to decide on the proposal this week.