KOCHI: The Greater Cochin Development Authority has created new posts and promoted some senior staff to top posts without getting government approval. As per the norms, appointments and promotions in development authorities have to be done with the concurrence of government. The GCDA executive committee has created a new post of public relations officer and appointed a senior staff.
The PRO has been provided with a new cabin and other facilities. Also, four senior field supervisors have been promoted as revenue inspectors with a salary hike. The staff promotion order was issued four months ago when the election model code of conduct was in force. Though the Authority submitted a letter seeking government approval, it is yet to be cleared. A section of staff members is unsatisfied over the promotion violating the norms.
Meanwhile, GCDA secretary R. Lalu told DC that PRO post had been created as part of improving the functioning of the office. “Though a couple of senior field supervisors and head clerks have been promoted as revenue inspectors there is no significant hike in salary. The posts have been given after they signed a bond agreeing that if government rejects the promotion, they will repay the additional financial benefits,” he said.
“Though the office has been refurbished, the absence of a front office and PRO was a major problem as there was not a single-window facility. The public has to roam in each section office to get their jobs done. Some RTI activists were also used to enter all section offices and threaten staff to get information. The post of PRO has been created to avoid such situations.” According to former Authority chairperson N. Venugopal, though government approval is mandatory, the executive committee can take a decision on staff promotion.
