`Suvarna Bangalore' is Jairaj's new mission

`Suvarna Bangalore' is Jairaj's new mission
The Hindu

New BMP Commissioner eager to begin work straight away

# K. Jairaj introduced the SAS
# Part of the team that formed BATF
# Known for his business-like approach
# Was on deputation with the World Bank

BANGALORE: K. Jairaj is back as Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Commissioner for a second stint. He will replace K. Jothiramalingam, who has completed 22 months in the post.

Mr. Jairaj, who is just back from his assignment with the World Bank in Washington, was in the BMP post from September 1999 to October 2000. The then Chief Minister S.M. Krishna hand-picked him in 1999 to head the BMP as part of his agenda to develop Bangalore on the lines of Singapore. Mr. Jairaj now plans to build a "Suvarna Bangalore".

Mr. Jothiramalingam was also specially picked by the then Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh for the post. "If it is `Suvarna Karnataka,' it should be `Suvarna Bangalore.' I will prepare a vision statement for a `Suvarna Bangalore," Mr. Jairaj said.

Pointing out that he will take charge from Mr. Jothiramalingam whenever it was convenient to the latter, Mr. Jairaj, who had made a mark in the BMP during his posting there in the past, said he has a lot of fresh ideas for Bangalore. "I am grateful to the State Government for again giving me an opportunity to serve this city. As a true-blue Bangalorean, I want to make it the best place in Asia," he said.

Known for his mantras of "corporatisation, management and human resource development," it was during his tenure that the Self-Assessment Scheme (SAS) of property tax was introduced. A strict and disciplined official, Mr. Jairaj had taken stern action against indiscriminate road digging and unauthorised hoardings. He was enthusiastic about the formation of the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF).

He had called on the Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy about a fortnight ago and had volunteered to take up any assignment on his return from deputation with the World Bank.

During Mr. Jairaj's one-year tenure, when M. Ramchandrappa was the Mayor, the BMP witnessed the `controversial influx' of 31 officials from the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL). He had brought a whole crew, including his driver, from KPCL, and placed them under a "Cell Under the Commissioner".

Mr. Jothiramalingam told The Hindu that he had an "eventful" tenure at the BMP. "But I am not satisfied completely. I cannot say I have been able to meet all the expectations of the people," he said.

Mr. Jothiramalingam said he will hand over charge to Mr. Jairaj on Friday depending on the latter's convenience.