PATNA: A cash-strapped Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to open its doors to private players who would share the burden of its work and also make money in the process.
In a major policy shift, private companies have been invited to take over the job of keeping the city clean. To begin with about 10 municipal wards would be handed over to these companies. But gradually, cleaning in all areas that fall under PMC would be outsourced.
On Tuesday, a meeting between private bidders and PMC top officials was held. Speaking to TOI, PMC deputy chief executive officer Kamla Kant Rai said: "The bidders have been told that they would have to work out the cost of keeping designated areas clean.
And about 50 per cent of this cost would be paid by the PMC." The remaining would have to be shelled out by residents.
"Besides sweeping roads and lanes and picking up garbage, these companies would also be responsible for clearing drains, desilting underground nalas, maintaining and cleaning manholes," he said.
