Bengaluru, Jan.14:
5th State Finance Commission Reviews Financial Status of Bengaluru Central City Corporation — Request for ₹2,047 Crore Grant: Rajendra Cholan
Demand for ₹200 Crore Special Grant for Basic Infrastructure in Slum Areas
Demand for ₹500 Crore Special Grant for Development of Central Business District (CBD)
The Chairman of the 5th State Finance Commission, Dr. C. Narayanaswamy, along with the Commission Members Mohammed Sanaulla and S. R. Phonde, visited the Bengaluru Central City Corporation today and reviewed the financial status of the Corporation. They also reviewed the requirements, ongoing development works, and administrative reforms.
Key Points from the Chairman’s Address
Addressing the meeting, Dr.C Narayanaswamy stated that the Government will give high priority to drinking water supply, solid waste management, and ward-level monitoring in central areas of Bengaluru. He assured that if the City Corporation submits accurate data for special grants, suitable recommendations will be made to the State Government for the upcoming financial year.
Important Suggestions by the Commission
* Provide proper infrastructure and adequate staff to ward offices to improve public service delivery.
* Establish and maintain libraries in every ward by the City Corporation.
* Take special measures for development of basic infrastructure in slum areas.
* Construct and maintain toilets in every park.
* Increase the Corporation’s own revenue by focusing on advertisements, trade licenses, parking fees, and other charges.
* Take steps to reduce electricity bills and avoid unnecessary interest burden.
Commissioner’s Presentation on the Corporation’s Status: The Commissioner of Bengaluru Central City Corporation, Rajendra Cholan, presented detailed subject-wise information regarding the Corporation’s financial position, grants, and current status. He informed the Commission about the shortage of officers and staff in various cadres.
He submitted a request for ₹2,047 Crore in total grants, which includes:
₹200 Crore special grant for basic infrastructure in slum areas and ₹500 Crore special grant for development of infrastructure in the Central Business District (CBD), as Bengaluru Central City Corporation represents the heart and core of the State Capital.
Major Demands and Challenges
Health:To improve public health, there is a need to establish and upgrade hospitals, mother-and-child hospitals, and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the 6 Assembly constituencies under the Corporation limits.
Roads and Infrastructure:Additional funds are required for development of arterial and sub-arterial roads, highways, and for ward-level road development and maintenance.
Environment and Parks:Funds are needed for development of parks, lake protection (fencing and security), and desilting works.
Solid Waste Management:Funds are required for daily waste management, segregation of dry and wet waste, transportation, and effective disposal.
Request for ₹2,047 Crore Grant:
The Commissioner stated that Bengaluru Central City Corporation is the heart of the city and an iconic area, housing important locations such as Vidhana Soudha, Courts, and the Central Business District, and is a highly crowded area.
Considering the need for higher-level infrastructure and services, a request has been made for ₹2,047 Crore in total grants. This includes expenses for staff salaries, development of lakes and parks, Indira Canteens, hospitals, disaster management, streetlight maintenance, construction of new ward offices, slum infrastructure, footpaths and other civic works.
Commission’s Field Visit:
The Chairman and Members of the Commission visited the KR Market Ward No. 45 Ward Office and instructed officials to strengthen ward offices and ensure officers and staff respond promptly to public grievances and provide quality services.
Members of the State Finance Commission Mohammed Sanaulla and R. S. Phonde, Financial Advisor Chaya Degaonkar, Additional Commissioner (Development) Daljit Kumar, Joint Commissioners K. Ranganath and Hemanth Sharan, Chief Engineers Suguna and Vijaykumar Haridas, Superintendent Engineers Puneeth and Chandrashekhar, Deputy Controller Vijayalakshmi, DGM Bheemesh Nayak, and Heads of Horticulture, Forest and other departments were present.