The Hindu       19.02.2015  

BBMP’s score is less than 40 per cent

The city is plagued by several infrastructural issues. Better roads, clear footpaths, storm water drains…these have remained a Utopian dream for citizens.

The financially-starved Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, which is largely responsible for improving infrastructure and providing civic amenities, has failed in its obligatory duty, feel citizens.

Though the civic body’s budgets paint a rosy picture, implementation has been poor — just around 40 per cent.

The former Opposition Leader in BBMP council, M.K. Gunasekhar, pointed out that the average budget implementation has been poor, which was indicative of the poor resource mobilisation. He also lamented about the lack of transparency in preparation of budget.

As per the Karnataka Local Fund Authorities Fiscal Responsibilities Act, 2003 the views of citizens’ groups and non-governmental organisations must be sought ahead of the budget preparation. Several residents’ welfare associations in the city concurred.

D.S. Rajashekhar, president of the Citizens’ Action Forum, said long-term and short-term priorities should be set for the wards. This could later be incorporated in the budget, he said.

Vijayan Menon, president of Koramangala Residents’ Welfare Association, said this could happen only if ward committees were active.