New areas posing newer challenges, says Jairaj

New areas posing newer challenges, says Jairaj
DH News Service, Bangalore:
Senior IAS officer K Jairaj, who assumed the office of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike commissioner 14 months ago, had the challenge of improving infrastructure in the City.

Senior IAS officer K Jairaj, who assumed the office of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike commissioner 14 months ago, had the challenge of improving infrastructure in the City.
Now, he is leaving office and his successor Dr S Subramanya is going to face the same challenges as those faced by Mr Jairaj.
Mr Jairaj was commissioner of the Palike at the time when Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike was formed with a total area of 800 sq km.
Apart from improving infrastructure, he had the task of catering to the needs of people in new areas.
Besides, he had to mobilise more resources and improve public service delivery as well.
In an interview with Deccan Herald on Tuesday, Mr Jairaj said though 14 months in the Palike is a short period, he has succeeded in making a good beginning towards growth in all sectors. Here are excerpts of the interview.

Review your stint as BBMP commissioner
Jairaj: I am happy with what I have done. Collection of property tax improved at the rate of 35 per cent in 2006-07. With the introduction of fresh advertisement by-law, the Palike will be getting additional income of Rs 20 crore this year.
The current year target for property tax is Rs 607 crore.
As many as 10 roads taken up under World Bank-funded Karnataka Municipal Reform Project are ready for inauguration. Many projects have been taken up under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.
Spillover works have been completed. Introduction of Suvarna Paravanagi and health tenders to clear municipal waste were also important steps in improving public service delivery.
Constraints that you faced
Lack of resource and absence of qualified technical staff were major constraints.
I tried to improve public service delivery system despite these odds. However, it was a team approach towards doing good for the City.
Support from State government...
I received excellent support from the State government.
Challenges before new commissioner
Major challenges before the new commissioner is to improve resources. Now, the jurisdiction of the Palike has been increased. Providing basic amenities in new areas is another major challenge before the new head. In addition, he has to concentrate on improving infrastructure facilities in Bangalore city limits.

You had sought transfer out of the Palike?
No, I did not. But I am happy to work as principal secretary for RD&PR.
I will assume new office by end of this week.