The jurisdiction of Vijayawada Guntur Tenali Mangalagiri Urban Development Authority (VGTM UDA) was expanded nearly two years ago. The State government, however, did not fill up existing vacancies or recruit additional staff required for extended boundaries.
The government has to fill up vacancies in 50 to 60 posts. In addition, the authority requires another 300 persons to take forward developmental works. At present there are about 100 employees.
Speaking to The Hindu , UDA Chairman Vanukuri Srinivas Reddy said that the authority required not less than 370 people to meet the challenges and tasks before it.
The UDA sent two proposals to the government. While one was related to filling up of existing vacancies, other one was regarding sanction of additional staff. The file pertaining to existing vacancies was “almost cleared” but for elections. The new government has to take a decision, he said.
The officials find it difficult to supervise or take forward development works with the meagre staff in engineering and planning. The jurisdiction of the UDA has increased to 7,060 square km spread over two districts.
The engineering wing has only one Executive Engineer (EE), while the extended jurisdiction demands a chief engineer, a Superintending Engineer (SE) and three EEs. The UDA also requires two Deputy Executive Engineers (DyEEs) and six AEs and one draughtsman. The authority has only three AEs, of which one is discharging duties of the draughtsman as the post is lying vacant.
In the planning wing, the UDA requires two more planning officers (POs) in addition to the existing three POs, two Assistant Planning Officers (APOs) each assisted by two Junior Planning Officers (JPOs). Three surveyors under each JPO is the need of the hour.
In the estate wing, which protects the assets of the UDA, it has only one Management Officer. The wing requires assistant management officer and sub staff to keep a tab on the properties and assets. The UDA also requires a full-fledged accounts officer and three auditors in addition to the existing Assistant Accounts Officer post, sources add.
The UDA is spending about Rs. 20 lakh per month on salaries on existing staff. It might have to shell out another Rs.40 lakh if new staff is recruited. Annual salary requirements would be between Rs. 8 crore to Rs. 9 crore.
INFORBOX
Bifurcation blues for UDA
Jurisdiction of the UDA: 7,060 sq. km., spread over two districts
Posts needed to be filled: 50-60
Total staff needed: 300
Departments with paucity of staff: engineering, planning, estate and accounts
Two proposals sent to government on existing vacancies, additional staff
Current monthly salary bill: Rs. 20 lakh
Expected salary bill: Rs. 60 lakh
Annual salary bill: Rs. 8 cr. - 9 cr.
New government has to take decision
