‘Only 10 Staff for 250 Posts’: Councillor Flags Manpower Crisis
MCD counselor Dr Arti Chawla (Image Bhawna Malik)
Dr. Arti Chawla, MCD Councillor from Karol Bagh Zone, speaks to Bhawna Malik about the key civic challenges in New Rajinder Nagar and how a severe manpower shortage is slowing down essential work.
Q: As a member of three major committees—Vidhi Samiti (Policy), Niyukti (Appointments) and Swasthya (Health)—what are your key responsibilities?
Arti Chawla: Along with being Deputy Chairperson of the Law Committee, I serve on these three committees. Swasthya Samiti oversees hospitals, restaurants and health-related matters. Niyukti Samiti examines complaints of MCD staff, including cases of harassment, and reviews the status of pending and resolved legal matters. The third committee looks after fresh appointments, though recruitments are currently stalled.
Q: What challenges do you face managing these three committees?
Arti: It’s still early to assess challenges as the committees were formed just a month ago. We have had only one meeting so far. I’m still in the learning phase, and full-scale work will begin shortly.
Q: Residents of New Rajinder Nagar frequently complain about garbage, foul smells and unclean parks. Why is the issue unresolved?
Arti: My ward is one of the largest in Delhi. Just before the elections, areas of Inder Puri were also added. Unfortunately, MCD is facing a severe manpower shortage. No new staff is being hired, and many contractual workers are either absent or on leave. Out of 250 sanctioned posts, only 10 workers are available. This delays work. Garbage is being collected and roads are being cleaned, but residents must also act responsibly and avoid littering.
Q: Builders are accused of leaving construction waste on roads.
Arti: Yes, disposing of construction debris is the builder’s responsibility. Often it is dumped in back lanes or left on roads. We accept our role, but residents must also behave responsibly. Despite the shortage, work is happening—Sindhi Park development has begun, mast lights have been installed, a long-neglected urinal in Sat Nagar has been cleaned, and renovation of the old-age home in Western Extension Area is underway.
Q: A urinal at the start of Shankar Road market remains filthy, especially during rains. Why hasn’t it been cleaned or rebuilt?
Arti: Work will start soon. I assure the residents.
Q: The backside of Pamposh Lane has become a dumping ground with broken walls and the presence of ragpickers and drug addicts, raising security concerns. What action has been taken?
Arti: I personally got the area cleaned once, but garbage returned. Residents themselves are dumping waste there. Without their support, we can’t maintain cleanliness.
Q: Encroachments in Old and New Rajinder Nagar are worsening. What steps are being taken?
Arti: Anti-encroachment drives were conducted in Old Rajinder Nagar, and more will follow. These issues take time—people depend on these spaces for their livelihood, and if they are relocated, alternative arrangements must be made.
Q: After the tragic drowning of three UPSC aspirants in a basement library, similar setups continue to operate. Why is action slow?
Arti: Many unsafe libraries have been sealed and more are under review. We are monitoring the situation closely and will ensure such a tragedy does not recur.
Q: New Rajinder Nagar lacks a functional public library, and a community centre remains unused. Why is nothing moving?
Arti: Both are on my priority list. Work on the library began but got stuck due to paperwork issues. A reminder will be sent, and I will ensure residents get a proper library. The community centre too will be revived for public use. I am accountable to the people and will not let them down.
Q: What is being done about stray dog sterilisation and relocation?
Arti: This is a sensitive issue. We are awaiting official advisories. Once guidelines are issued, it will be taken up on priority, with full consultation of RWAs and residents.
Q: There are incidents of chain snatching and car thefts. How will you ensure better safety?
Arti: CCTV cameras have been sanctioned and will be installed at all vulnerable and poorly lit spots.
Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn
About The Author
