The Times of India             24.09.2013

Kochi corporation's ready remedy: Reduce street lights to cut electricity charges

KOCHI: If you go by the agenda set for the special council meeting of the Kochi corporation scheduled for Tuesday, mayor Tony Chammany is headed for more sticks from both the opposition as well as a group from his own party, who have sharpened their knives over the current financial crisis.

In a proposal that can be called 'Tughlaqian' and circulated among councillors on Monday, the civic body has proposed to reduce the number of street lights to bring down electricity charges, which comes to about Rs 75 lakh a month. Similarly, the civic administration is also planning to reduce the number of public water taps in the city, according to sources. A move which is also likely to face severe criticism from the councillors. The opposition and the rival I group of the ruling Congress, which held a meeting on Monday to plan its strategy, are expected to take the civic leadership to task for its failure to increase revenue collection, decrease expenditure under various heads and for inefficient administration.

The local body's rental revenue has declined from Rs 4.22 crore in 2008-09 to Rs 2.52 crore in 2012-13. The rental revenue was Rs 2.58 crore in 2011-12, Rs 2.52 crore in 2010-11 and Rs 3.77 crore in 2009-10. The opposition is planning to attack the administration over the issue.

"The sharp decline in rental revenue is worth a probe. It shows the possibility of corruption," said a opposition councillor.

The I group, meanwhile, will raise the failure of the corporation to enhance revenue collection despite proposals made in the budgets for the purpose. The group said the council does not have any vision or strategies for the development of the city.

The mayor and deputy mayor, Bhadra B, will also face sharp criticism from both parties over the controversial power and water proposals.

"It's not possible to reduce the number of street lights. It's the responsibility of the civic administration to maintain street lights," said a Congress councilor.