The Hindu 30.03.2011
Councillors welcome budget
Councillors cutting across party lines welcomed the Mysore City
Corporation (MCC) budget for 2011-12, presented by Chairman of Standing
Committee on Taxation, Finance and Appeals Shivakumar on Tuesday.
Leader of the Opposition in the council Nandeesh Preetam
(BJP) said the budget was pro-poor and more categories such as Ganigas
should have been included in the list for receiving benefits. A sum of
Rs. 13.2 crore was set aside — 16.2 per cent for Scheduled Castes and
6.55 per cent for Scheduled Tribes — under the 22.75 per cent allotment.
B.L. Byrappa of the Congress said that the budget was
good but officials should strive to mobilise the targeted revenue.
However, he said that Mr. Shivakumar should have considered including
Kurubas for receiving benefits.
G. Madhusoodan, MLC, who welcomed the budget, stated
that the MCC should take steps to stop leakage of revenue while
collecting revenue under Self-Assessment Scheme. He added that officials
and councillors should be responsible for the mobilisation of revenue
as well as expenditure. He was in favour of the MCC taking stern action
by clearing encroachments and reclaiming properties.
Siddaraju, MLC, lauded the MCC’s move to construct an
Ambedkar Bhavan for which it had contributed Rs. 25 lakh. Chikkamadu,
MLC, also termed the budget as a good one. Chairman of the Mysore Urban
Development Authority (MUDA) L. Nagendra lauded Mr. Shivakumar for
presenting a good budget and said that the incentives announced for
Savita Samaja members was progressive.
The members would receive financial help through the
Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department. Mr. Nagendra also
welcomed the announcement of incentives for theatre artistes and
wrestlers.
Many councillors wanted Mr. Shivakumar to specify the
amount earmarked for the creation of ‘Mayor’s Fund’ which was proposed
in the budget. The fund would help the Mayor sanction funds on the spot
for various public works, based on petitions from citizens.
