The Deccan Herald 02.09.2010
‘Inclusion of 8 GPs to CMC unscientific’
Udupi, September 1, DHNS:
The discontent over district administration’s approach of taking decisions independently on the issues concerned with CMC, came to fore in the general body meet of CMC held here on Tuesday.
Member M R Nayak alleged that the proposal sent by Deputy Commissioner Hemalatha recommending the inclusion of 8 Gram Panchayats to CMC was unscientific. “The district administration has not consulted CMC before taking the decision on the matter,” he said.
“People’s representatives have a role in the administrative process. The district administration’s decision should be strongly condemned. The process supports urbanisation and administrative centralisation against the strategies put forth by economic experts,” he said and added that the CMC is not been able to offer appropriate basic infrastructural facilities to the wards that were included some years back to its jurisdiction. Even the inclusion process that was followed then was unscientific, he opined.
CMC President Kiran Kumar alleged that the district administration has taken independent decisions without consulting CMC before sending the proposal to the government. “We are not yet successful in providing all benefits to the wards that were included previously. Only after we promise execution of welfare programmes and basic infrastructural amenities to these wards, the House will think of including new wards,” he said.
Kumar also assured that a delegation comprising 10 members will meet DC to bridge the gap that already exists between District Administration and CMC. The house will uphold its identity, he said.
Traffic signals
The other issue that rocked the House was inconveniences to the public owing to newly installed traffic signal lights by the police department. Member Shyamprasad Kudva expressed his displeasure towards problems and confusions aroused due to these lights. “Traffic signals in Manipal area are creating huge nuisance and confusion to the public. The irregular parking system should be set right before installing signal lights,” opined Member Mahesh Takur.
Responding to the accusations, CMC President strongly expressed his opposition to the installation of signal lights. “Public are under the impression that these lights are installed by CMC. We are no way concerned with the issue. Police department has to take public opinion before installing the lights,” he said. There is shortage of traffic police in the district. This may create additional problems resulting in accidents. Police department should look into the matter, he urged.
Waste management
Kumar further informed that a squad under the guidance of environment engineer has been set up to catch hold of public who throw garbage on the roads. Attempts are made to trace the houses that don’t give wastes to SHG members appointed by CMC, he said.
Pending water tarrifs
Member Mohan Upadhyaya alleged that as many as Rs 79.70 lakh water tariffs are pending from six surrounding Gram Panchayaths comprising Ambalpadi and Kadekar.
These areas are not under CMC jurisdiction, he added. Members urged for immediate disconnection of water supply to those areas.
However, MLA Raghupathy Bhat said it is not right to cut water connections to these six Gram Panchayaths. Notice should be issued immediately. A meeting should be held with ZP CEO to discuss the issue, he said.
Vice President Bharathi Chandrasekhar and Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak were present.
