BMP reduces funds to wards, seeks Rs 100 crore from govt

BMP reduces funds to wards, seeks Rs 100 crore from govt
Deccan Herald

However, a recent order issued by the government states that any piece work exceeding Rs 2 lakh (except in case of emergency works) or fragmentation of works will not be entertained.


This year, the Councillors of the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) will have to make do with only Rs 1 crore each, instead of Rs 1.5 crore, for their wards. The decision was taken at the Council meeting held on Tuesday, which realised a deficit of Rs 100 crore. The BMP now hopes to seek a loan of Rs 100 crore from the State government.

The Council meeting that was held for the first time after the new Commissioner K Jairaj took charge, echoed disgruntlement over lack of response from BMP officials. Many councillors criticised the poor quality of work and abrupt stalling of projects, which was countered by Mr Jairaj stating, “BMP had failed to attract reputed agencies, despite having projects worth crores. We need some introspection.”

“We may expect government approval for the Rs 400 crore Budget in a day or two. However, a recent order issued by the government states that any piece work exceeding Rs 2 lakh (except in case of emergency works) or fragmentation of works will not be entertained. “All works will now follow 100 per cent tendering. Though, we hope to appeal before the government to release at least 30 per cent of the funds and call tenders for the remaining 70 per cent, this year. However, bills for all the completed works will be cleared,” assured Jairaj.

In a role reversal, the Mayor and the Councillors were found urging the BMP chief to clear encroachments from Sri Krishnaraja Market. The suggestion was met with apprehensions by Jairaj.

“It is a sensitive matter involving livelihood of people. We need to discuss this at length.”

The Zero Hour brought to focus issues related to road widening (under TDR), asphalting of World Bank funded roads (worth Rs 170 crore), reviving footpaths, status of rainwater harvest project (Rs 43.5 lakh), garbage collection, urban forestry among others.

DETAILS

Works Amount

Spill-over works (2006-07) Rs 340 crore

Pending bills (since Dec 2005) Rs 116 crore

Total Rs 456 crore

Budget Allocation (06-07) Rs 358 crore

Deficit Rs 100 crore

EXTENDED

The last date for Self-assessment Scheme (SAS) of property tax without penalty will be extended to June 30.

BMP chief K Jairaj announced the same, following complaints from the Councillors that the BMP was losing out on revenue. As per a plan, the Joint commissioners will carry out a survey in the city to identify defaulters (tax evaders) and detect manipulations like underpaid properties, withholding disclosure of change of use of property, additional 20 per cent for non-residential properties.

“Tax adalats will be also help widen the tax base. However, we need a systemic change in khata transfer or issue to make it simple and transparent” he said.