Siddaramaiah censures laid-back BBMP officers

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was evidently agitated at the laid-back attitude of the BBMP, took the officials to task even at the inaugural ceremony of a new primary he­a­l­th centre at Shankar Mutt Ward here on Wednesday.

“In other countries, even if it is a small fault on part of the officials, citizens drag the issue to the court. Even as there have been reported deaths due to negligence, residents have not approached the court. This is one of the reasons why the authorities concerned has been spared. Our carelessness reflects in road laying work, open manholes and badly-laid shoulder drains. We do not even have the basic responsibility of having barricades in place. Our roads could not withstand even one rain,” Siddaramiah pointed out.

Stating that the lack of coordination between various civic agencies had led to problems, he said, “Half the things would be resolved if this falls in place.”

He also said last year Rs 1,300 crore was collected as property tax and the target was increased to Rs 2,900 crore this year. “The civic agency has the potential to collect Rs 5,000 crore but the resources are not well mobilised. I have ordered strict action against officials who have failed to perform their duty,” he added.

Blaming the garbage contractors for not performing up to the mark, he said BVG Company was doing a shoddy job. In future, pre-qualification condition for garbage contracts would be put in place, he said.

“I will supervise it myself to ensure that the pre-requisition is met before calling for tenders. There has to be a source segregation campaign. Brooming the City for one day will not make difference. Commitment and dedication will only give results,” he opined.