Vijayvargiya claims no sanitation staff in Indore civic body:Records show 1,200 working; Congress alleges Assembly misinformation

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has come under criticism over his statement in the Assembly regarding staff positions in the Indore Municipal Corporation. During a reply in the Assembly on 20 February, Vijayvargiya stated that all 3,900 sanctioned posts of sanitation supervisors (Safai Sanrakshak) in Indore Municipal Corporation were vacant and that not a single such employee was currently working. However, according to official civic records, more than 1,200 sanitation supervisors are actively working in the city. In addition, over 2,400 regularised sanitation workers are managing cleanliness operations. Question raised by BJP MLA The issue was raised by BJP MLA Mahendra Hardia from Indore-5 constituency. He had asked for details about sanctioned and vacant posts in the corporation and whether staff shortages had led to officers being given additional responsibilities. In his response, Vijayvargiya said that due to the expansion of municipal limits and shortage of staff, some officials were given additional charge. He assured that once recruitment is completed, the additional responsibilities would be withdrawn. According to the minister, the corporation has 6,312 sanctioned posts, of which only 1,493 are filled and 4,819 are vacant. He specifically claimed that all 3,900 sanitation supervisor posts were vacant. Discrepancies in key posts The minister also stated that the post of Chief Sanitation Officer was filled. However, officials said the position has been vacant for months, as per High Court guidelines it must be held by an MBBS-qualified doctor, and no such eligible officer is currently appointed. Similarly, he claimed that the post of Chief Town Planner was filled, while records suggest it has been vacant for a long time. Revenue Department figures also questioned Vijayvargiya said that out of 24 Revenue Inspector posts, 8 were filled and 16 vacant. However, officials claim there is not a single permanent Revenue Inspector, and the roles are being handled by employees on additional charge. He also stated that out of 49 Deputy Revenue Inspector posts, 5 were filled, and out of 195 Assistant Revenue Inspector posts, 115 were filled. Officials say most of these posts are being managed by regularised or muster-roll employees on temporary charge. Vehicles but only three drivers The corporation reportedly has more than 1,200 vehicles, including dumpers, trucks, JCBs and other utility vehicles. Vijayvargiya told the Assembly that only three drivers are currently employed, all for light vehicles. There are 20 sanctioned driver posts, of which 17 have been vacant for a long time. Congress criticism The opposition Indian National Congress criticised the minister’s statement, calling it misleading. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar said on social media that Indore is globally recognised for cleanliness, but the minister’s data appeared “empty”. Municipal officials admitted that staff shortages exist following the expansion of city limits but said that recruitment is expected to begin soon. The controversy has sparked political debate, with questions being raised about the accuracy of information presented in the Assembly.