The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) which launched two new people-friendly services on its 38th Foundation Day today with delighted faces of its officials, found all its faces flat when Urban Development and Housing Department Minister CP Singh showed the civic body the mirror questioning utility of one of its launched services - Jaldoot.
On its foundation day, the RMC has launched SMS Sewa named Jaldoot for its water connection holders. Under newly launched service, an SMS will be sent on the mobile number of the customers at least half an hour before water reaches in the tap in the customers’ home. This service will be optional and available on a subscription of Rs. 30 per bill.
RMC also launched Online Master Plan Information System on the day. Under this, people will be able to see the type of land around them and in any part of the city online. RMC Mayor Asha lakra said that this service would stop fraud, especially middlemen and broker-created fraud, because anyone would be able to see type of land and its possible uses online on www.mp.ranchimunicipal.com.
City Commissioner Prashant Kumar called Jaldoot a people friendly, timely and much awaited service. “This is a tested service already launched and successfully run in Gulbarga, and now we have launched it. It will help households keep away of worrying time of water-supply, which is still uncertain in the city. Now they will be informed through SMS that water supply would be there in next 30 minutes or so. People will also be informed about water supply in next day, so that they restore water if there is no supply next day,” said Prashant Kumar. However, CP Singh, in his term of address questioned the utility of the service. “Who will see an SMS at 1 O’clock at nightIJ A busy person like me will see in next week. I don’t question your efforts or motives. But you need to think yourself the utility of the service you are going to provide,” said Singh, where RMC Mayor Asha lakra and her Deputy Sanjeev Vijayvargeeya, Additional Municipal Commissioner Vidyanand Sharma Pankaj, Kanke MlA Jeetu Charan Ram and most of the Ward Counselors were present.
He also pointed out citizens’ dissatisfaction and lack of trust in civic body. “There are instances of misbehavior in RMC. Officials don’t pay attention to the poor. There are instances that those having no water connection are receiving bills. I would ask all of you officials associated with RMC that become an examiner and examinee altogether alone and just mark yourself. And then only you will be able to understand where you need improvement,” Singh added.
However, he also praised RMC for launching two new services and said that the civic body had achieved a lot in last 37 years. He also advised to make RMC an idol for rest of the state in times to come.