The Hindu 11.02.2010
Reinstatement of official dominates CMC meet
Special Correspondent
SHIMOGA: The reinstatement of a suspended revenue inspector dominated the proceedings of the monthly meeting of the Shimoga City Municipal Council here on Wednesday.
Revenue inspector Ravikumar was suspended after he was caught by the Lokayukta while allegedly taking a bribe was reinstated recently.
Raising this issue, K.B. Prasannakumar sought to know the reason for keeping in service such officers who were either suspended or have been proceeded against by the Lokayukta. However, the councillors belonging to the ruling BJP and the Congress were divided on this issue: some of them found fault in the reinstatement of the official, while others said that there was nothing wrong in it as has been found not guilty.
Responding to the suggestions of the councillors, president N.J. Rajashekhar said he could not oppose the reinstatement of the official as it was decided at the government level.
He, however, agreed that he could be shifted from the Revenue Department.
Vishwanath Kashi wanted the 25 acres of municipal land sanctioned to the Mahaveer Goshala at Vidyanagar be taken back as the purpose for which it was given had not been fulfilled.
He said that the nearly 150 stray cattle were being underfed and the coconut trees in the area were not being looked after properly.
He suggested that the municipal council could develop an amusement park in the land after leaving two acres of land to remain with the goshala.
Mr. Rajashekhar and Mr. Prasannakumar favoured it, while S.N. Channabasappa (BJP) opposed it, saying that protection of the stray cattle was the responsibility of the municipal administration.
He said that if there were any deficiency in the maintenance of the goshala, it could be addressed.
He suggested that a committee, headed by the councillor of the ward, be set up for the purpose.
Mr. Prasannakumar said that the mosquito menace held the threat of diseases and suggested that fogging be taken up extensively in all wards.
