Nothing outside the sedate municipal commissioner's residence in Pune suggests the hectic activity going on inside. The sign outside the gate reads "Arun Bhatia, ias". Inside everyone's busy packing even as visitors-anxious Punekars-come to bid goodbye to their hero. Amidst it all, Arun Bhatia takes time out to speak to Outlook. Excerpts:
How did you feel when you were transferred like this?
Hurt. And insulted. Because it was made out that I didn't know the law; that I had violated a stay the government had given Holiday Inn. That makes me look like an idiot. Now I've been vindicated: documents show that the government itself cancelled its stay long before I demolished the illegal premises.
What prompted you to undertake demolitions in such a big way?
I hate the word 'demolition'. I don't wish to be known as a demolition man. I merely demolished the outcome of illegal acts by people with riches. I'd rather be known for improving health and sanitation in Pune. From that point of view I needed more time to get my act together. A demolition takes only two minutes, and it's more visible.
How did you manage to collect Rs 48 lakh in property tax in four days when these had been unpaid for years?
Simple. The laws exist for their implementation. Violators get away with most things if they believe there'll be no action against them. People in the West do not violate laws because they know they can't get away with it. I used the same principle. We published a list of 163 people who owed property tax worth Rs 20 crore and announced that these premises would be auctioned the next week. They paid up within hours.
Did you leak out your correspondence as divisional commissioner to the chief secretary?
I didn't leak out anything. That the issue went to the press is of no significance. What matters is that by placing so much importance on the leak, you're establishing the fact that the bureaucracy operates behind closed doors. I gave a report to the government regarding corruption. I refuse to divulge the content of that report to you. But they say that report is incorrect. If that is true, the chief secretary must tell me it is wrong. I will improve/correct it myself, remove the errors in approach.
Given a posting of your choice, what would you rather be?
The Pune Municipal Commissioner. I'd hate to violate the faith and trust that the aged, the handicapped and the ordinary people of Pune have reposed in me.
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