Unplanned security gates

A city councillor has reportedly put up iron gates in the capital's Arambagh, Fakirapool and adjoining areas for over a month purportedly as a security measure against petty theft and restricting entry of unwanted personnel. Some residents, however, paint a darker picture. People living in these areas and business establishments operating there claim that the public representative is 'extorting' money on a monthly basis in the name of ensuring 'security'. The councillor has admitted to have acted on his own which means he did not have the consent of members of the locality. 

This is hardly expected from a city official who is a public servant and elected to office to assist in delivering civic services to ward members, which may include security too. We understand that the people of a locality may look for security from a ward councillor but that does not mean he should have a personal stake in the matter. On the contrary, he should move with the police to ensure proper patrol and vigil within his ward. For this he may also mobilise local guarding arrangements in consultation with the people of the locality, but not impose something with financial gain in mind.

What we are witnessing is the blurring of lines between governance and a city official's designated role. It is observed that people in many residential areas put up iron gates for security, but not without causing impediment to regular flow of people and vehicles. Some standards need to be set there.