Staff shortage undermines governance in local bodies

Kochi: From uncollected taxes to prolonged delays in processing files, shortage of staff in municipalities across the city and its suburban areas is emerging as a major concern for residents. With several key posts lying vacant, local bodies are struggling to carry out routine administrative functions efficiently, affecting services ranging from revenue collection to issuing building permits and implementing welfare schemes. Although some municipalities have already raised the issue with local-self govt department (LSGD), seeking urgent intervention, no concrete action has been taken.Municipalities such as Thrikkakara, Tripunithura, Maradu, and Kalamassery are facing staff shortages, ranging from 10 to 60 employees. The situation has caused significant distress among public, with various residents' associations beginning to voice their concerns. Among them, Thrikkakara municipality faces the worst situation. Against a required strength of 96, the local body is functioning with around 30 employees. The issue has been highlighted in audit reports between 2015 and 2020, and the council has passed multiple resolutions seeking to fill vacancies. However, repeated requests to state govt have not yielded results. Salim Kunnumpuram, an office-bearer of Thrikkakara Residents' Association Apex Council, said the shortage has led to serious delays in services. "Many files, including those related to building permit renewals, remain pending for months. One of my applications has been pending for the past five months," he said. He added that tax collection has also been severely affected. "A large portion of taxes remains uncollected, and funds meant for public welfare are lapsing due to a lack of manpower. Only those with bank loan obligations tend to pay property tax regularly, while arrears from shops owned by the municipality have mounted to crores," he said. In Maradu, residents say the staff shortage has worsened the stray dog menace. "Sterilisation drives and related measures are delayed, putting public at risk," said Sahaja Haridas, a resident of Karthithara in Maradu. V P Prasad, chairman of Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Association, said delays in file processing and service delivery have become routine. "Even after the introduction of K-SMART, files are cleared only after long delays. Complaints such as waterlogging are addressed months later, which defeats the purpose," he said. He also pointed out that the absence of a permanent secretary at the municipality has worsened the situation. The crisis has prompted some municipalities to formally take up the issue with govt. Maradu and Thrikkakara municipalities have written to LSGD highlighting vacancies in key posts affecting sanitation, file processing and project implementation. Maradu municipality chairperson Ajitha Nandakumar said the local body is short of 24 members. "Five of our employees were also deputed for govt programmes such as special intensive revision. In such a situation, it becomes extremely difficult for a local body to function effectively. But letters to LSGD minister have not yielded any results," she said. Thrikkakara municipality chairperson Rasheed Ullampallil noted that the engineering division was among the worst affected at the local body. "We have only four officials to prepare estimates for projects across 48 wards and obtain approvals. Without adequate staff in engineering and revenue sections, development projects will continue to be delayed," he said. Former Tripunithura vice-chairperson K K Pradeep Kumar said the municipality was short of at least 12 staff. "Tax collection and sanitation are the worst hit. Collections are often rushed at the end of the financial year, leaving out major contributors," he said.