The BMC has decided to reintroduce the scrapped clean-up marshals scheme that was earlier done away with due to its ineffectiveness. The civic body will now appoint security agencies that hire ex-servicemen, and has also asked the state government to provide a list of retired policemen from the state security corporation to employ for the scheme.
The clean-up scheme, started in 2007 with an aim to keep the city clean, was always embroiled in controversy. The civic body had appointed several private agencies, whose marshals were authorised to fine people who litter or spit on the roads or public places. However, the civic body was compelled to scrap the scheme after receiving complaints of corruption, scuffles with people and high-handed action by the marshals.
The BMC also faced flak from the high court over the clean-up marshals’ conduct. There were complaints that clean-up marshals, instead of keeping a watch on errant people, were concentrating on doctors and builders to extort money from them.
According to civic officials, the appointment of retired servicemen or officers from state security corporation would give more teeth to the scheme, as people have respect for them and would follow their instructions.
Standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale said, “We had received complaints from people and corporators about the corrupt attitude of clean-up marshals in the previous scheme. Hence, we have decided to hire security agencies owned or run by ex-servicemen. We have also approached the state security corporation to give us trained security personnel as clean-up marshals.”
Additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani said, “The BMC will be finalising the details of the scheme in a month’s time.”
While launching this scheme in its new makeover, the civic body has also decided to be strict with the agencies that it will be appointing. The fines for breaking the rules have also been increased.