Kumaraswamy gives PPP kiss of life

Kumaraswamy gives PPP kiss of life
Task Forces Will Become Development Committees, Go Mofussil
The Times of India

Bangalore: Intent on boosting Bangalore’s sagging image, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday opted to emulate his predecessor S M Krishna by revitalising publicprivate participation (PPP) for better urban governance.

Kumaraswamy plans to leave his signature on the PPP concept by not only renaming the ‘Agenda Task Forces’ as ‘Development Committees’, but also by taking them to the district headquarters.

Kumaraswamy contends that a strong PPP in place would be a step ahead in changing the face of the state which is slipping in terms of providing good infrastructure. Krishna, during his tenure as CM, had set up the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF), which turned out to be a role model for other cities in strategic planning and development.

Speaking to reporters here, Kumaraswamy said: “I will soon convene a meeting of industrialists and work out modalities for setting up a development committee for Bangalore. The committee will oversee implementation of all development works.’’

As a prelude to the meeting, Kumaraswamy held discussions with former bureaucrats A Ravindra, J C Lynn and P P Prabhu on Bangalore’s infrastructure-related issues. “They have given me some insight into how to go about tackling issues. I will continue seeking their guidance,’’ he said.

On taking the Development Committees to the districts, Kumaraswamy said: “Even the district headquarters have to be improved. There are several prominent personalities in each district who will be enthused to be associated with development of their place. We will identify such personalities and urge them to be part of the committees. The emphasis will on improving roads and drains.’’

Apart from seeking central assistance, the state will also obtain funds from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC), Kumaraswamy said. “JBIC has agreed to give Rs 500 crore towards infrastructure-development projects in Bangalore city. Clearance from the Centre in this regard is awaited.’’ ‘Good roads, no flooding...’
CM Kumaraswamy has made another big promise: nearly 1,175 km of Bangalore roads will be spruced up in the next 15 months. The metropolis will not suffer flooding this year, he said, since authorities have been asked to desilt drains. He will make his first night inspection of the city by the first week of March