In a significant development, officials of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) staged a two-day mass casual leave protest on Thursday and Friday. This collective action was a direct response to what they describe as persistent interference and harassment by external parties in their official duties.
The Core of the Protest: Allegations of Interference
The protest was formally initiated by the officials on Thursday, with a memorandum detailing their grievances submitted to the municipal commissioner. While Class I officers began the strike on Thursday, officials from other classes joined the movement in solidarity on Friday, amplifying its scale.
The officials' memorandum pointed specifically to events organized under the Urban Development Year celebrations. While these programs aimed to boost public participation and undertake various works, the officials allege that certain outsiders have been misrepresenting facts and framing officials by twisting the details of these projects. They contend that this has not only demoralized the workforce but also tarnished the reputation of the entire civic body.
Specific Grievances and Demands
The protestors cited a concrete example involving one department that faced major issues related to Urban Development Year programs. According to the memorandum, the VMC's own audit department was withholding bill payments, while the details of these very bills were being leaked to third parties. These external entities, the officials claim, then used the information to file false complaints of corruption.
Furthermore, the officials alleged that such individuals with ulterior motives were visiting project sites and creating unnecessary hurdles. The memorandum included a strong demand for action to be taken against these persons for defaming the civic administration and hindering its work.
Impact and Official Response
Despite the widespread leave, essential services provided by the civic body remained operational and unaffected. However, the protest continued with senior Class I officials also remaining absent on Friday.
Sources indicated that if their concerns are not addressed, the officials might extend their protest and remain on leave on Saturday as well. In reaction to the crisis, elected representatives convened a meeting with Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ganga Singh, urging him to persuade the officials to return to work.
Interestingly, both the Mayor and the Standing Committee Chairman claimed they were unaware of the mass casual leave until it was reported by the media, highlighting a potential communication gap within the corporation's administration.
