VELLORE: Without official confirmation, Vellore Corporation has initiated a process to fund development projects with World Bank assistance. However, World Bank officials, who had visited the city last month, claim there is a shortage of workers, engineers and building inspectors that may constrain the development work.
The Vellore Municipalty was elevated to Corporation status in 2008 with the merger of 17 local bodies into the Corporation Limit. As the newly added areas are mostly rural and developing panchayats, a need for developing these areas arises. A Corporation official said that the Corporation had sought help from the state government and the Commissionerate of Municipal Administration (CMA).
The official however, refused to confirm assistance from the World Bank, but did not deny the visit of World Bank representatives to the city last month.
A source said, “World Bank officials who had visited the Fort City were unhappy with the Vellore Municipal Administration on various issues, mainly on the lack of staff. Civic body officials had explained World Bank’s representatives about their initiatives to develop Vellore as a smart city and sought help for the same. Earlier, a meeting was held in CMA, where the Corporation had been directed to fill the vacant posts soon.”
Currently, there are 2,175 posts vacant and after the elevation to Corporation status, 1,739 additional posts are expected to be filled by the Corporation.