Overview Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol addressed concerns about corruption and bureaucratic delays within the Kochi Corporation during a ‘meet-the-press’ event on December 29, 2025 . She outlined plans to ensure files are not held up for more than seven days , or 15 days if the Mayor’s involvement is required. The Mayor also discussed strategies for funding development projects following the expiration of the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) . Key Initiatives File Resolution Time: Files will be resolved within 7 days , extending to 15 days if the Mayor needs to be involved. Corruption Monitoring: A new system will be introduced, featuring public hearings attended by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Funding Development Projects: The Corporation will seek new funding avenues after the CSML term expires. Division Funds: The concept of division funds will not be revived due to concerns about corruption. Governance and Transparency Addressing Corruption Mayor V.K. Minimol emphasized the importance of addressing public grievances and ensuring transparency in governance. She stated that the Mayor need not be informed of every instance of corruption unless a complaint is filed. The proposed monitoring system, complete with public hearings, aims to enhance accountability and reduce corruption within the Kochi Corporation . File Resolution Policy The commitment to resolve files within seven days (or 15 days with the Mayor’s involvement) is intended to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic delays. This policy aims to improve efficiency and responsiveness in addressing public needs. Financial Management and Development Funding Challenges With the term of the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) coming to an end, the Kochi Corporation faces financial constraints in funding future development projects. The Mayor acknowledged this challenge and outlined plans to conduct a special drive to collect tax dues without overburdening citizens. Future Projects The focus will shift to designing development projects for the next 15-20 years . These projects will be funded through Plan funds or the general fund, with strict financial discipline. The Mayor emphasized that the discontinued division funds, which previously allocated up to ₹1 crore to divisions regardless of size, would not be revived due to concerns about corruption. Infrastructure and Office Management Old Office The future of the Corporation’s old office is under consideration. Currently, only the council hall and the chambers of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been shifted to the new office, while other departments remain in the old office. The Mayor stated that public opinion will be considered when deciding how best to utilize the old office. Continuity of Development Mayor Minimol assured that vacating the post after two-and-a-half years would not disrupt development projects. She emphasized that projects would be planned for the next five years and beyond, ensuring continuity despite changes in leadership. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to GS2 (Governance, Transparency and Accountability) and GS3 (Economy and Development) . It highlights issues related to urban governance, financial management, and corruption in local bodies. The initiatives proposed by the Kochi Mayor can be analyzed in the context of improving governance and promoting sustainable development.