The minister, who is well-versed in urban affairs, held a meeting of officials of various departments under his ministry, including the Central Public Works Department and Land and Development Office (L&DO) and told them he would not tolerate shoddy functioning. He asked the officials to pay special attention to public grievances.

Sources in the Ministry said urban issues pertaining to the Capital, such as decongestion, poor sanitation, housing shortage and public transport, will be high on Jagmohan's list of priorities. The Minister, apart from being a second-time Member of Parliament from New Delhi constituency, has vast experience with urban and civic problems in Delhi, having also served here as Lieutenant Governor.

Ministry sources said Jagmohan was particularly unhappy with the tardy work undertaken by the CPWD,especially in the area of maintenance. The Minister visited several Government colonies in New Delhi soon after he took charge and found many of them wanting in maintenance work and in a dilapidated condition.

The L&DO, where several thousand cases relating to land disputes are pending, is also said to have come under the minister's scrutiny. The process of computerising land records in the L&DO began last year and will be completed in a phased manner over two years.

Jagmohan has also decided to hold weekly public hearings to facilitate the speedy redressal of grievances, in tune with his style of functioning in the Communications Ministry.

Interestingly, former urban developement minister Ram Jethmalani is reported to have briefed Jagmohan on the state of the Ministry before relinquishing charge. He is believed to have apprised Jagmohan of the measures he took under his tenure such as the breaking the DDA's monopoly in the construction of houses as well as the need to encourage the private sector inhousing and infrastructure.

Jethmalani is also said to have stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the Ministry and in this context, referred to the setting up of a Lok Adalat to ensure speedy disposal of cases.