11 chairmen elected to BBMP standing committees

Opposition leader cries foul over lack of women representation

However, doubts over the tenure of the standing committees continues as they have been elected six months after the election of the Mayor.

After the unanimous election of the 11 chairmen, the Mayor said the term of the Committees will be for a year and the State Cabinet would take a final decision on the issue.

The process was over within an hour with senior members getting elected.
However, questions were raised on the lack of representation to women corporators in the 12 standing committees.

Inexperience

The Mayor claimed that experienced women members were not available.

However, when pointed out that senior member Shanthakumari was denied an opportunity, Nataraj hinted that she would get a better post.

“The Mayor’s post has been reserved for women for 2011-12, which is likely to be given to Shanthakumari by the BJP,” the Mayor said.

However, M Nagaraj, the Congress opposition leader, cried foul over women not getting the post of chairperson. “The BJP could have elected two women  as chairmen. It is a disrespect to women corporators in a democratic institution,” he said.

Early BWSSB representation

Mayor S K Nataraj, after elections to the Standing Committees, informed the media that the Palike has mooted for early representation on the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

“The proposal will be presented at the next BBMP Council. Also, two members will be nominated to the BDA,” he added.

A new inspection van has been sought for the newly-elected Standing Committee chairmen.

The van will be facilitate inspection by the Chief Minister and his team in the future, said Mayor Nataraj.