Mr Meena, here’s your chance to cleanse the BBMP stables

Mr Meena, here’s your chance to cleanse the BBMP stables H S BALRAM
SSubramanya was shifted out of the BBMP commissioner’s post at last. Not because he was bad at his job. But because he showed insensitivity when there was public outcry after young Abhishek was washed away in a drain during a downpour, and he slapped a defamation case against the highly-respected Lok Ayukta over his observations. Chief minister Yeddyurappa had no option but to show him the door. He knew the BJP couldn’t afford to lose the goodwill of Bangaloreans, who voted overwhelmingly for the party in the Lok Sabha elections, even as most parts of the country preferred the Congress. With BBMP elections fast approaching, he didn’t want to take any chances. He had already put development projects on the fast track. Metro work had picked up speed. Road-widening was in full swing. He didn’t want official apathy to undermine all this.
The new man in is Bharat Lal Meena. He has come in at a time when the credibility of the corporation is low. For all the wrong reasons. But he has a lesson to learn from his predecessor’s mistakes.
That a fast-growing city like Bangalore needs level-headed and efficient managers
That grievances of the tax-paying public are addressed with sensitivity
That feedback, negative or positive, is welcomed to set things right
That lethargic and corrupt officials are reined in
That contractors, who do shabby job and milk the corporation dry, are blacklisted
That there is good coordination between various agencies
Not an impossible job, really. Meena is an upright, hands-on official. During his stint in Bescom as its commissioner, he turned it into a profit-making body. As chairman of the Karnataka State Power and Transmission Corporation, he scaled up power infrastructure projects and brought down transmission and distribution losses. If he can motivate his staff into delivering the goods, Bangalore will be a better place to live in.
Once elections are held and a council of 198 corporators is in place, Meena’s job will become a bit easier. He must ensure a healthy and smooth working relationship between corporators and officials. He must rope in resident welfare associations and arrange frequent interactions with them. He, and a group of senior officials, must conduct surprise checks to ensure quality civic work. In short, citizens’ welfare must be on the top of his agenda.
Of course, political interference can be a big pain. Not only corporators but also city MLAs will keep exerting pressure on one issue or the other. Ministers in charge of Bangalore and city MPs will also chip in. It will be difficult to ignore them. Meena will do well to take all of them into confidence, press them to get adequate funds and have projects cleared, and involve them in alleviating citizen grievances. By this, the responsibility of managing the city will lie on their shoulders as well. Blame-game will stop.
Welcome, Mr Commissioner. Bangaloreans are looking up to you. They have been through difficult times. Their expectations are high.