Partnering: Sadashivanagar RWA shows the way

Citizens pursue development in the face of adversity.

Today, the associations are the backbone of most developmental works. From discussing the needs of the locality to persisting with authorities to provide quick relief, the RWAs are the need of the hour.

One such association, the Sadashivanagar RWA, has been actively pursuing developmental works even in the face of adversity. Thanks to their pro-active role, the RWA has now entered into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Emulating the successful model in RMV II stage, where the RWAs have been in constant interaction with the BBMP, the RWA in Sadashivnagar have also expressed the need for pro-active development in their ward.

The residents of the area, which is the home for many elected representatives and retired government officials,have now agreed to go in for PPP with the Palike for repair works in Sadashivnagar. “We are trying it out on an experimental basis, if it is successful, we will go for a joint venture in the future,” explained S Ramananathan, President for Sadashivnagar RWA.

According to the agreement, the RWA and the BBMP will identify the immediate needs in the vicinity and make provisions for the allocations of funds.

The initial amount of Rs one lakh, as authorised for developmental works in each BBMP ward of the city, will be deposited into a bank account by the Palike. After which, the RWA will provide the actual information on scrutiny of their needs and will recommend the work to be commissioned.

“The account will be opened jointly by us and the BBMP. This would mean that the funds deposited in the account will be utilised only when both the parties will approve of the work,” said Ramanathan.

 The BBMP will be represented by the Assistant Executive Engineer, while the RWA will have its own representative to sign on the cheques to pay for the works.

If the PPP model succeeds, the RWAs will enter into a funds sharing with the Palike. “The sharing of funds will be decided when the model succeeds. Perhaps the funds allocated will also go up in the future depending on the success of the model,” hoped Ramanathan.