CHANDIGARH, Feb. 25 -- The Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) has given approval to the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, to conduct a comprehensive manpower audit over the next six months to rationalise its workforce and cut down annual expenses.

Civic body officials said the decision comes amid mounting financial stress, a sharp rise in outsourced hiring, and concerns over ghost employees. The audit is expected to streamline staff strength, detect irregularities in salary payments and address allegations of fake employees, as raised by multiple city councillors.

The MC will sign a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIPA soon, finalising terms for the audit. The Rs.25 lakh audit will analyse w...