India, Sept. 22 -- Six administrative wards in Mumbai, including the high-profile A Ward, are currently functioning without full-time ward officers. The wards in question have acting ward officials, primarily senior engineers, filling in temporarily who often lack formal administrative training, leading to growing concern within civic circles over delayed decision-making and compromised supervision.

The issue is compounded by acute staff shortages in crucial departments such as roads, bridges and the coastal road, where key posts, including those of chief engineer, deputy chief engineer, and executive engineer are vacant. Engineers across departments are now handling dual roles, which is allegedly impacting work quality.

The absence of ...