A slip of the tongue had Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura say ‘House adjusted’, rather than ‘House Adjourned’ in the General House meeting. But rather than making adjustments, the House featured allegations and counter-allegations between Municipal Commissioner Vikas Pratap and SAD councillor Simarjeet Singh Bains. Sadly, the House did not ‘adjust’ after all, and with the rift, much heat was generated. Never mind that the mayor, with a serious look that one has come to associate with him, tried much to adjust the House.

The Mayor’s differences with Councillor Simarjit Singh Bains also led to much news. The duo continued to have disputes over many issues, leading to much mirth in the civic body. Even now, they share an uneasy truce over many issues in the Corporation.

Municipal Commissioner Vikas Pratap

Despite his polite manner and transparent functioning, the Commissioner was dragged into controversies this year. First it was with Assistant Commissioner Vinod Sharda, who alleged that Commissioner had forced him to submit his resignation. And then Councillor Simarjeet Singh Bains levelled graft charges on the Commissioner. Sometimes, what you do as part of your day-to-day work can be viewed as politically incorrect by some.

Sudesh Bajaj, District Education officer Science (Secondary)

The senior-most education officer of the district never misses the chance of getting photographed, whenever an opportunity comes her way. Though making surprise checks in schools is part of her duties, she also makes it a point to tell mediapersons of her visit to a particular school, all that she observed there, and the action taken by her. The good part is that this publicity leads to greater awareness among teachers that the DEO is often on the move, and will also be transparent about their achievements or shortcomings, as the case may be.

Pradeep Kumar Kapoor, District Science Supervisor