Corporators alleged that Mehta circumvented the general body’s authority by not seeking its approval during Dotonde’s appointment
Bhayandar : The standing committee on Wednesday decided to stop payment of salary of BMC chief Ajoy Mehta’s personal PRO, Ram Dotonde. This decision was taken in response to a point of order (PO) issued by MNS corporator Sandeep Deshpande and Congress Corporator Shital Mhatre. Through the PO, the Opposition demanded an explanation from Mehta regarding the procedure of Dotonde’s appointment. Dotonde’s was appointed on special deputation by Mehta after being appointed the Municipal commissioner in May this year.
Corporators alleged that Mehta circumvented the BMC general body’s authority by not seeking its permission during Dotonde’s appointment.
Sandeep Deshpande explained that it is mandatory to take permission from the general body while making new appointments or creating new positions within the BMC. He also said that all financial transactions can happen only with the approval of the standing committee. Deshpande alleged that Mehta neither informed the general body of this new appointment nor got the appointee’s salary sanctioned from the standing committee and therefore, Dotonde’s appointment is invalid. Moreover, in case Mehta explains that he used commissioner’s discretionary powers to appoint a PRO, the post’s salary should have been approved by the standing committee first, he said.
Ajoy Mehta was unavailable for comment. When contacted, Ram Dotonde said: “No comments”.
