Kumbh works is new civic chief's priority

NASHIK: Sanjiv Kumar, the new officiating commissioner of the Nashik Municipal Corporation, on Wednesday held a meeting with the heads of the departments (HODs) of the civic body.
Kumar, who is the tribal development commissioner, has been appointed as the officiating commissioner after commissioner Sanjay Khandare was transferred on Sunday by the state government over alleged allegations of violation of the model code of conduct.
Kumar, who took charge on Tuesday afternoon, told TOI, "I had interactions with each official and took preliminary information from them. I have also had discussion with the officials concerning the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission... I will ensure that the works of neither the tribal corporation nor the NMC will be affected due to my double charge."
He added, "My priority will be to address the Kumbh Mela related works. But, all the basic and important issues will be addressed properly."
Kumar had joined the tribal development corporation as commissioner around two months ago. Before that, he was the district collector of Ahmednagar for over two-and-a-half years. Earlier, he was the chief executive office of the Pune zilla parishad for two-and-half-years.
Khandare, who took charge as commissioner on June 6, 2012, was transferred over allegations of violation of the model code of conduct. Independent corporator Sanjay Chavan had complained that, after the model code of conduct has come into effect on March 5, Khandare had given promotions and funds to self-help groups; floated tenders and waived Rs 16 lakh owed by a contractor, among other things.