BDA’s e-kiosk turns into complaint booth

BDA’s e-kiosk turns into complaint booth
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) e-pragati kiosks that were launched in April to provide multiple facilities are now being availed by citizens almost solely for checking the Arkavathy site refund details.

A suggestion book next to the terminal in the Bellary Road kiosk reflects the disappointment and anxiety of people who had their hopes pinned on the proposed layout.

While the book registers an average of around 10 suggestions and complaints daily, it shows whopping 48 entries on April 15, the day the High Court shot down Arkavathy land acquisition notifications.

The actual number of visitors that day was close to 125.

BDA had received 2.32 lakh applications and Rs. 981.34 crore initial deposit money from site-seekers for the Arkavathy Layout, before the High Court ruled that the land came under the BMRDA.

“Nowadays, people only come to check their deposit refund details,” the security guard at the kiosk, who assists people in using the system, said.

The authority launched two kiosks - one in HBR Layout and the other attached to the BDA office on Bellary Road - in April with the aim of automating processes including property tax payment and complaint registration.

It was also designed to provide information about BDA and its various projects.

However, the tax payment system, which was supposed to accept cash, cheque and DDs, has not been implemented yet.

“There is a problem with the computer link to Canara Bank, with whom we have tied-up. It will be resolved by next week,” BDA PRO Kathyayini told this website’s newspaper.