JOIN USBetter you perform, more funds to follow: Kodgi
This was disclosed to the media here on Saturday by the Chairman of the Task Force A G Kodgi.
“The intention behind the particular point is to overhaul the functioning of the local bodies-be it Corporation, Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat or Gram Panchayat”, said Kodgi.
Similarly, it is imperative to introduce a system where the consumers of drinking water should pay only for the amount of water they use. In the prevailing set up, the cess is the same, no matter it’s used more or less. Where as in the case of power consumers, the respective authorities charge only for the amount of electricity utilised. “The matter pertaining to drinking water cess has been already discussed with the Urban Development Minister and will be discussed again”, said Kodgi.
Reiterating that the local bodies should be self-sufficient when it comes to economic stability, Kodgi said that the civic bodies should stand on their own legs garnering revenue, apart from the funds sanctioned by the State and Central Governments.
It may be in the form of property tax, water cess whatsoever. They must also ensure that the same resources are judiciously spent on creating basic infrastructural facilities like underground drainage (UGD), toilet, streetlights among others.
Delving on the formula that would augment water cess, the chairman opined that the meters should be installed to every connections.
Citing the examples of Udupi and Kundapura, Kodgi said the two places have seen improvement in revenue after equipping water connections with the meters.
However, Kodgi didn’t forget to make it a point that, if there is any dismal performances of the local bodies unable to collect revenue on expected lines, it’s not the fault of the authorities only, but also many issues that have become roadblocks to success. It may be either elected representatives or general public and also vacancies. In Madikeri, of the total 49 sanctioned posts, only nine were filled.
Unchanged boundary
Member of the commission Thimmegowda said still there are many cities having the same contour, excluding the newly developed localities. The boundary of Mysore, according to the available records remains unchanged from the past 13 years. The new localities should be included and development works should be undertaken in a planned way.
Double penalty
In case of any illegal constructions, penalty double the existing sum should be imposed on the violator/s. It would bring in more revenue, besides checking such illegal activities henceforth, said Thimmegowda.
Earlier the task force conducted a meeting of the officers of Mysore region at Zilla Panchayat hall.
Regional Commissioner, M V Jayanthi, MCC Commissioner K S Rayker, MUDA Commissioner P C Jayanna and others were present.