Citizens set the agenda for development

Citizens set the agenda for development
Ward Sabha Will Provide Platform For Participative Governance
The Times of India

Bangalore: Participative governance is what the citizens of ward No. 18 in Basaveshwaranagar believe in. So they have set up ‘Janavyapti,’ a ‘ward sabha’ to interact with their local authorities better.

The sabha comprises some 50,000 residents and on Monday, its newly constituted committee — H.N. Umashankar (president) and M. Ravindranath (secretary) — handed over a memorandum of ward grievances to local legislator (Uttarahalli) R. Ashok and ward corporator Revamma.

This was the sabha’s first official meeting though residents said they had previously organised an informal session with Revamma.

The ward sabha, Umashankar said, was set up “because we lack a ‘credible forum’ to voice our grievances’’.
Ward woes: The memorandum lists 10 major demands. The first one is about the absence of a market complex in the area. “Now vegetable/fruit vendors have usurped the pavements and streets, leading to traffic congestion and great inconvenience,’’ the note stated. The residents urged Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) to build a complex similar to the one in Jayanagar Extension.

Another complaint is related to the area bus stand. “Though Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has invested a lot of money in the Basaveshwaranagar bus stand, it is not being fully utilised, as the ground is not asphalted or levelled,’’ the note said. The residents also wanted more bus routes for the area.
Other complaints: Clogged storm water drains, potholed footpaths, pavements, roads, the slow progress of the Rajajinagar-West of Chord Road grade separator and the extra charge levied on borewell owners by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

Ashok, on his part, welcomed the formation of ‘Janavyapti’ and urged the residents to hold these interactive sessions in January-February every year. “Then, we can prioritise works, list out projects and seek funds from the annual BCC budget,’’ he pointed out. He also assured them that he would use part of his MLA allocation of Rs 50 lakh to set right some problems.

Area corporator Revamma was a silent presence while her husband Revanna directed proceedings from the side. Former corporator Ranganna was also present.

For more information, call Umashankar on Ph: 57657554 or Ravindranath on Ph: 23480540.