Chandigarh MC to undertake manpower audit to identify ghost staff
In a bid to rationalize its workforce and address financial distress, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has approved a comprehensive manpower audit to be conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, over the next six months. The audit aims to streamline staff strength, detect salary irregularities, and uncover cases of ghost employees amid concerns raised by multiple city councillors.
The civic body will soon finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIPA for the Rs 25 lakh audit, which will assess whether the current staff strength of 9,748 is justified and identify redundant or duplicate hires. The decision comes in response to mounting financial stress, a sharp rise in outsourced recruitment, and objections over contractual staffing.
“The prime objective of the audit is to reduce staff strength and eliminate unnecessary posts,” said an MC official.
According to figures presented at the MC’s general house meeting on November 23, 2024, staff strength surged from 8,587 in 2023-24 to 9,748 in 2024-25, an increase of 1,161 employees, most recruited on a contractual basis, which has severely strained the MC’s budget, resulting in salary delays and a suspension of development projects.
Official data reveals that the MC spent Rs 493 crore till September 2024, including Rs 145 crore on salaries for regular employees and Rs 147 crore for contractual staff, exceeding payments to permanent employees. With monthly liabilities reaching Rs 75 crore, Rs 42 crore is allocated to salaries alone, deepening the financial burden.
In a move to curb workforce expansion, the MC took corrective steps in December 2024, terminating outsourced employees aged 60 and above. Furthermore, no new hiring or replacements can occur without prior approval from the commissioner.
The upcoming audit is expected to bring much-needed transparency and efficiency to MC’s workforce management, helping the cash-strapped civic body regain financial stability, said an official of MC.
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Chandigarh Housing Board to fine building violations
The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) is exploring the possibility of introducing penalties for building violations and misuse, similar to the system enforced by the Estate Office. The issue was raised during the board meeting on Thursday, prompting discussions on why such penalties are not currently imposed.
At present, the Estate Office issues a show-cause notice upon detecting a building violation or misuse in its properties. From the date of issuance, a penalty is charged per square foot. However, the CHB does not follow this practice. The board chairman has now called for an assessment of whether similar provisions can be implemented in CHB properties.
If adopted, the move could pose additional challenges for CHB residents. Currently, the board has strict regulations against new constructions as area-wise enforcement teams monitor violations and issue challans to the respective homeowners. Within three days of detection, a demolition notice is served. If the allottee does not voluntarily remove the unauthorized construction, the board intervenes, carries out the demolition, and recovers the costs from the property owner.
With the introduction of a penalty system, once a show-cause notice is issued for a violation or misuse, a daily fine based on the affected area would be imposed until compliance is ensured. This measure aims to curb unauthorized modifications and enforce stricter adherence to building regulations within CHB properties.
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