We need funds, BMP tells CM

We need funds, BMP tells CM
The Times of India

Bangalore: The BMP on Friday organised an impressive presentation before chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, detailing its ongoing and future projects. After that, BMP commissioner K Jairaj made an appeal — financial assistance from the government to the tune of Rs 115 crore. Did Kumaraswamy say yes? “He has verbally agreed to Rs 75 crore,’’ said sources present at the interface.


Jairaj had this to say: “We want help from the government on civic and infrastructure issues, demolitions and encroachments. We want to have a technical audit cell and competent people... all this calls for funds. The presentation identified key issues in urban areas and gaps that need to be filled. ‘’

The principal secretary (finance) has apparently been asked to look into the presentation vis-a-vis the funds.

Kumaraswamy told the BMP: “The state government has already released Rs 20 crore towards flood relief, there is also a special provision towards roads and that money will be released.’’

Illegal constructions: The presentation also saw the BMP make a bold suggestion: why not regularise illegal structures and building deviations? By way of penalty alone, the BMP could rake in Rs 500 crore, depending on the dimensions of the sites. The suggestion was welcomed by the urban development department, but the CM is yet to make a commitment to the effect.

Banaswadi visit: Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy visited the grave of former President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy to lay a wreath and pay respects. On the way back, CM also visited the area where the ITC Banaswadi underbridge is slated to come up. The project has been pending for years now, but finds a mention in every budget. Officials have been instructed to start construction immediately and finish the project in 18 months.

Surprise inspection: Jairaj on Friday made a surprise visit to the assistant revenue office on Queen’s Road. Finding that there was quite a crowd of citizens wanting to pay property tax, another counter has been opened to facilitate tax payments.

Later, he reviewed ongoing works at Cantonment Railway station and instructed officials to speed up their work.