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SINGLE POINT ACCOUNTABILITY Q&A with Narinder Nayar
Chairman, Mumbai First
A Single Authority who makes multiple agencies work together is critical for Mumbai. Founded as a Public-Private Partnership in 1995, Mumbai First (formerly known as Bombay First) is the foremost think tank dealing with the multifarious issues facing Mumbai and fostering partnerships between various major stakeholders. Mumbai First seeks to make the city a better place to live, work and invest in. It aims to serve the city by addressing the problems of today and the opportunities of tomorrow, through partnerships with government, business and civil society. Apart from its efforts at networking, researching and advocacy, Mumbai First also has three touch points with the Government of Maharashtra to share opinions and exchange views. It has the Citizens Action Group (CAG) chaired by the Chief Minister, the Empowered Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s War Room (CMWR). Direct resolution of points/issues with the GoM through these touch points is the unique feature of Mumbai First.
Raju Kane of Mumbai Makeover spoke to Narinder Nayar, Chairman, Mumbai First, on why Mumbai needs a Chief Executive Officer.
Raju Kane (RK): The newly elected Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has been talking about a Chief Executive Officer for Mumbai. Why do you think the city needs one? Narinder Nayar (NN): Let’s look at today’s situation; we have 17 agencies which run the city. Some report to the state government, some to the BMC and a few even to the central government. This is a hopeless situation as there can never be any effective co-ordination between these agencies. To use an analogy, you have many musicians, you need a orchestra conductor which can produce symphony from the cacophony.
SHORT TAKES With 17 agencies running the city, effective coordination is impossible That’s why it is vital to have a CEO for Mumbai, believes Narinder Nayar Archaic laws like the BMC Act of 1888 need to be changed to give development of Mumbai a fillip
What the city clearly needs is single point accountability. We need one officer who is in the saddle for four-five years and who is in-charge and responsible for everything that has do with the development of the city and is thinking about it 24/7. You can call the officer the CEO, Chief Commissioner or whatever, the designations are not important. This officer should have full trust and understanding of the Chief Minister and draw his strength from the Chief Minister’s Office. This will ensure that he will be able to push through the measures required.