After asserting that the new Mayor-in-Council (MIC) system would usher in transparency, Satam categorically stated at a press conference on Tuesday that the decision to keep safe distance from the media was in keeping with the `discipline' of the Shiv Sena party. The members will be unable to interact with mediapersons although, unlike state and cabinet ministers, they have not been sworn to secrecy.

When reminded that ministers of the cabinet had the powers to speak to the press, he said, ``Very soon, we will decide the limits for the council members to interact with the press. They cannot speak whatever they want to.'' This would ensure that there is no `misunderstanding', he claimed. Satam also denied that this decision amounted to centralisation of power, saying itwas in the interest of the party.

Earlier, in a meeting with council members, heads of various departments, ward officers and deans of municipal hospitals, commissioner Girish Gokhale explained the new MIC system to all officials, informed Satam, adding that the officers were also told that they would have to work as per the orders of council members. The commissioner, according to Satam, also cautioned officials that he would not entertain complaints from council members and would take action against any erring official.

Although no concrete decision was taken at this meeting, Satam claimed that officials had confided their grievances to him. He said some of them may not have opened up completely as the municipal commissioner was also present for the meeting. However, he did not say whether he would meet the officials again in the municipal commissioner's absence. Satam also expressed the hope that the officials would personally come later and discuss their problems at their work place. He further saidthat any decision taken would have to be implemented within a fortnight `at any cost', or the concerned official will be taken to task by the commissioner.

Added Satam, ``Footpaths should be made available for the public, and hence I have asked officials to take stern steps against illegal constructions.'' He added that the implementation of hawking zones would be decided after holding meetings with concerned officials. He felt that the BMC's recent Clean Mumbai drive had hampered routine work in wards, and added that this would now be tackled speedily. Satam informed that the BMC's new agenda would be decided in the next 30 days.

Directives have also been issued to the head of the garden department K L Velodi that all gardens should be beautified within the next three months before the rains end.