BANGALORE:
Where did the Rs 423 crore earmarked for welfare schemes go? This was
the question that puzzled many corporators at the council meet when BBMP commissioner Siddaiah announced that the corporation spent the sum for welfare works during 2012-13.

“Had we made a realistic budget, we could have spent only Rs 100 crore
for welfare works. As per revenue records, we have already spent Rs 463
crore. It has been done as per approvals given by the welfare standing
committee. Spending must be based on our revenue earnings, but that
hasn’t happened in case of welfare works,” Siddaiah said.

Corporators wondered how and where were the money spent since the BBMP hadn’t take up any welfare works in their wards.

“There is not a single rupee spent in my ward on welfare. People living
in slums haven’t got authorization certificate (hakku patra). The Vajapeyi Arogya Yjane
which promised to give free healthcare to the poor, hasn’t been
implemented. Where has all the money gone?” questioned Attiguppe ward
corporator K Doddanna.

Chamarajpet corproator BV Ganesh asked
the commissioner whom did the welfare works benefit as it hadn’t eased
the lives of SC/ST, OBC communities in the city.

“We are still
struggling to get grants under the Union government’s 22.75 % quota for
the welfare of the oppressed classes. Distribution of cycles and
tailoring machines to the needy that was supposed to be covered under
welfare works is yet to kick off. How has the money been spent?” he
questioned.