AGRA: Taking cognizance of a large number of complaints of corruption in urban local bodies, state government has decided to tighten the noose on their officials and employees. The urban development ministry of UP government has directed all municipal commissioners and executive officers to provide details of immovable assets of officials and employees of centralized services on duty in civic bodies within one week. Details of immovable properties registered in the name of family members are also required to be enclosed.According to sources, state government had been receiving complaints that engineers and revenue officials of centralized services on duty in civic bodies are misusing funds and indulging in corrupt practices. These officials are directly appointed by the state government. It is alleged that contracts are being managed and substandard construction work is being done. Corruption is costing the civic bodies’ dear. Earlier, senior MLAs and other public representatives had raised the issue with the state leadership.In its orders issued on July 12, the directorate of urban local bodies has directed administration of civic bodies to provide details of immovable assets acquired till March 31, 2018. The details have to be made available to the directorate within this week.Government has also sought details of properties registered in the name of wife, son or daughter of the municipal officials and employees.Meanwhile, the order has created a flutter among civic body staffers. When asked about the order, none of the officials was willing to comment on it. Besides administrative and revenue officials and engineers, the orders will be applicable on those working in sanitation, health service, water supply management and sections of the civic body.Earlier this year, Agra North MLA Jagan Prasad Garg had written to chief minister Yogi Adityanath and the state minister for urban development Suresh Khanna, alleging corruption at Agra Municipal Corporation. He had claimed that the AMC commissioner takes 27% commission from private contractors for assigning work contracts.Talking with TOI, the five-time MLA said, “Government has taken an effective step to put a tab on corruption. Details of immovable assets provided by the civic bodies must be verified by the state government. Strict action should be taken in cases of disproportionate assets. Similar orders should be passed for other departments.”

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