Concern over meagre allocation of funds for basic services under JNNURM

Concern over meagre allocation of funds for basic services under JNNURM

The Hindu

`The allocation of funds is higher for infrastructure and governance'

BANGALORE: Members of the Citizens Voluntary Initiative for the City of Bangalore (CIVIC) on Friday expressed concern over the meagre allocation of funds for providing basic services to the urban poor under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

At a workshop on `74th Amendment Act and Functioning of Ward Committees in Bangalore and JNNURM,' CIVIC trustee Kathyayini Chamaraj pointed out that the mission had higher fund allocation for infrastructure and governance rather than basic services for the urban poor.

"More funds should be earmarked for providing basic services to the urban poor under JNNURM. At least 25 per cent of developed land should be reserved for housing people coming under the economically weaker sections and lower income group categories," she said.

Ms. Kathyayini Chamaraj, who made a presentation on `JNNURM Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats,' suggested that all residents recognised as "project affected families" at the time of survey should be rehabilitated. The urban local body should ensure that these families get alternative livelihood and residential sites with amenities. Greater community and "basti-sabha" participation will help in providing these families a better standard of living, she suggested.

Guidelines

All city development strategic plans (CSDP) submitted by the urban local bodies should be assessed based on the guidelines laid down by the National Slum Policy, National Housing and Habitat Policy and National Street Vendors Policy, she said.

Following the presentation on `74th Constitutional Amendment Act and Functioning of Ward Committees in Bangalore,' CIVIC members also demanded that ward watch groups should be set up for proper monitoring of works.

Decentralisation

CIVIC trustee Padmini said weak and undemocratic structure, lack of access to information and empowerment with funds, functions and facilities have made decentralisation of ward committees largely "unfruitful" in the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP).

Recommending a committee for each ward, Ms. Padmini said each ward should be further divided into sub-wards. There should be an amendment to allow direct election of ward committee members from the ward sub-divisions, she suggested.

Representatives from Malleswaram Swabhimana Initiative, Paraspara, Child Rights Protection Society, Jayamahal Consumer Protection Society and HAL 3rd Stage Residents Welfare Association participated in the workshop.