CM slams BBMP officials for neglecting work

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday pulled up the BBMP officials for neglecting their work until the high court intervenes.

Speaking at the launch of ‘Project Roshini’, a programme to upgrade all BBMP schools and colleges to international standards, he said: "It is unfortunate that the high court has to step in even in basic works like maintaining cleanliness of the city, filling potholes and waterlogging problems."

"Do you need directions from the court to work? Why can’t you put in your sincere efforts for the betterment of the city?” he rebuked them.

His deputy and also Bengaluru Development Minister G Parameshwara voiced the same concern.

“I second CM’s words on this. I have held several meetings with the officials and have directed to carry out their work. Yet, we have been receiving high court orders. They should see that this should not happen from now on,” said Parameshwara.

The high court recently pulled up BBMP officials for not filling potholes and also for not addressing illegal flex and hoarding menace in the city.

The civic body had swung into action only after court’s directions.

Meanwhile, Parameshwara said the government would join those who want to revive dying lakes in the city.

“Most of the lakes in the city have disappeared. If there are any private firms keen to join hands with us in lake reviving programmes, we will be happy to collaborate with them,” he said.

Schools to be upgraded

Software giant Microsoft and technology service provider Tech Avant Garde have collaborated with the BBMP to upgrade all the government schools and colleges in the city.

As a part of the project, classrooms would be turned into ‘community learning centres’, where Microsoft Aspire Student Programme would be introduced. This include, machine learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality. The teachers will also be trained with new methods and techniques.

Speaking about the project, Kumaraswamy said: “I have allotted Rs 1,000 crore in the Budget to build schools and colleges and provide infrastructure in the state. The dream to upgrade our schools to the global level will come true with the help of Microsoft.”

The chief minister was surprised to know that girls were in large number than boys in the BBMP schools and colleges, and also in the programme.

"The BBMP guidebook says that there are 90.6% of girls and hardly nine per cent of boys studying in the schools. In one of the PU colleges, it is mentioned as 858 girls and only 89 boys," he said.