Newly appointed Guntur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kathawate Mayur Ashok has directed all departments to accord top priority to tax collection as the current financial year is nearing its end, underlining fiscal discipline as the foundation for urban development.The 2018-batch IAS officer assumed charge on Saturday (January 17) and held a meeting with heads of departments, asking them to prepare comprehensive data for a detailed review beginning Monday. He stressed that efficient revenue mobilisation and timely assessments were essential to fund civic services and planned infrastructure works.Soon after taking charge, Mr. Ashok paid a courtesy call on District Collector A. Thameem Ansariya and Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal, during which issues relating to city development, civic challenges and coordination among departments were discussed.Earlier, Additional Commissioner Challa Obulesu, deputy commissioners, department heads, officers, staff members, corporators from various divisions, senior citizens and leaders of employee unions met Mr. Ashok in his chamber to extend greetings.Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner called for collective efforts to transform Guntur into a comprehensively developed city across sectors. He assured stakeholders that public opinion and constructive suggestions would be duly considered in policy and implementation.He emphasised transparent, citizen-centric governance and measurable outcomes.Published - January 17, 2026 09:27 pm IST