Release funds to BBMP purely on work basis, CM told

Former minister Prof B K Chandrashekar and other Congress leaders from City on Wednesday urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to release money to cash-strapped BBMP in one go, but provide funds on work basis, stating BBMP lacks financial discipline and is in huge debts.

Briefing reporters at KPCC office here, Chandrashekar pointed out that BBMP is an independent local body and should manage its own finances, which it has not done. It has mortgaged many prime heritage buildings. The Palike has been unable to give a detailed account of misappropriation of funds up to Rs 16,000 crore. Siddaramaiah should release funds to BBMP on need basis.

Former mayor M Ramachandrappa said, “A lot of money is wasted but no work is seen. Though the chief minister has announced to help BBMP, we request him not to release funds in bulk. It should be given on work basis – produce detailed work plan, show work on ground and get funds. It should not be given allocated budget amount.”

Former Opposition leader and Jayamahal Corporator M K Gunasekhar said: “The CAG report too points that BBMP lacks financial discipline. Funds  allocated for road widening, parking and footpaths have been used for garbage and sewage works.

There is a huge misappropriation of funds. Revenue and property tax collection has come down. In 2009-10, BBMP estimated to collect Rs 1,100 crore, but only Rs. 57 crore was collected; in 2010- 11, it was estimated to collect Rs 1,650 crore, but only Rs 882 crore was collected, and in 2011-12, Rs 2,536 crore was estimated, but only Rs 1,286 crore was collected.