The IC team with MBMC chief Sanjay Katkar at Niti Aayog Office in New Delhi | File Photo
Mira-Bhayandar: Amidst the controversy surrounding the Innovation Cell (IC), the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has released the yearly data highlighting the utility and fruitfulness of the 22-member cell since its inception on 1, February, 2024.
The IC which has been working in line with the governments “Innovative City and Start-Up” programme was duly constituted with an administrative approval to resolution which was tabled last year. The MBMC spends Rs 15 lakh every month towards salaries of 22 employees attached to the IC.
Apart from playing an important role in research and policy making by using modern technology, the cell has registered its active involvement towards implementation of more than 20 campaigns including- Swachh Bharat Mission, Garbage Free City, My Vasundhara Mission, Water Plus, Drinking Water Survey, Jal Shakti Mission, PM Gati Shakti, City Beautification Competition, Mission Life, National Clean Air Programme and Safai Mitra Suraksha Challenge.
IC team with historisians at the Ghodbunder Fort | File Photo
Some of the projects have bagged awards adding monetary prizes amounting Rs 12.50 crore to the civic treasury, this apart from independently raising corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund of Rs 45 lakh. Additionally, initiatives like Home@20, Flood Free City, Skill Centres and Employability@18 have been conceptualised by the IC which also evaluates and monitors its activities on a regular basis.
The MBMC has claimed that due to IC’s concept development, research, evaluation surveys, presentations, workshops and data collection works, the daily operations of the corporation have been streamlined and it has become easy in reaching out to citizens for implementing new initiatives and also redressing their grievances.
IC team with Experts at the Bio Methation Plant in Mira Road | File Photo
Moreover, after the inception of the IC, the MBMC brought all existing consultants (which were earlier hired) under one umbrella for preparing comprehensive development project reports (DPR) and ensuring transparent and cost friendly execution of works falling under various categories which further helped in saving Rs 7.12 crore.
NITI Aayog Recognises Efforts.
One of the major accomplishments of the IC came when the central government’s National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, recognised and supported its ‘Faraal (snacks) Sakhi (friend)’-a first-of-its kind flagship initiative conceptualized to empower women entrepreneurs in the twin-city.
Off late, various state and central government agencies including the ministry of education have been banking on such cell’s with a purpose of systematically fostering the culture of innovation in their respective fields.
The IC is Tasked With:
1) Enhanced Problem-Solving
2) Citizen-centric Solutions
3) Cost Optimization
4) Sustainability Initiatives
5) Improved Service Quality
6) Talent Development
7) Adaptability to Change
8) Community Engagement
9) Attracting Investments
10) Better Utilization of Technology
11) Benchmarking and Knowledge Sharing
