Khekare Snaps Red Tape WithOral Review Order, Sparks Row

Nagpur: A major controversy broke out in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) transport dept after sensitive administrative records were allegedly collected from bus depots and offices without any written authorisation, triggering confusion and resentment within the civic administration.The individuals who collected documents reportedly cited verbal instructions from transport committee chairperson Mangala Khekare, leaving officials and staff uncertain about the legitimacy of the request.
Khekare admitted that she had sought the documents, saying the move was intended to review decisions taken during administrator rule, including penalties imposed, payments made and other operational aspects of the Aapli Bus system.She said she had issued verbal instructions because she did not have an official letterhead yet. Khekare added that the collected information would be studied in detail and necessary action would be taken based on the findings.Deputy municipal commissioner and transport manager Meghna Wasankar did not respond to TOI's calls and text messages seeking clarification. Confirming the development, transport dept sources said the situation unfolded when a few persons arrived at various Aapli Bus depots and transport offices seeking operational records "sought by the committee chairperson". Dept officials initially refused to hand over the documents, citing the absence of a written order — a mandatory requirement under civic administrative procedures.However, the visitors reportedly connected depot officials to Khekare over phone calls. Soon, the staff were persuaded to share the information, and the documents were allegedly copied onto a pen drive and handed over.The incident quickly created a stir within the dept, with several officials privately expressing concern that the procedure bypassed established administrative protocols under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations (MMC) Act.The data collected reportedly pertains to operations under the gross cost contract (GCC) system implemented through public-private partnership (PPP) model for the city's Aapli Bus services. Officials said the records include sensitive operational details as well as information related to private contractors and other stakeholders associated with the project.Under normal circumstances, such information is provided only after written authorisation from the competent authority and through officially deputed dept personnel. In this case, however, records were allegedly obtained without any formal documentation, raising questions about procedural compliance.The development has triggered unease among transport dept officials, private operators and contractors, many of whom fear the episode could lead to administrative complications and disrupt ongoing operations. Civic officials also pointed out that both the standing committee and the transport committee have been granted significant powers within the corporation, but even those powers must be exercised through formal administrative procedures. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !