CMC meet turns chaotic over allotment of sites to civic workers

Cong, JD(S) councillors spar over lack of facilities at layout

The special meeting of City Municipal Council here on Thursday turned chaotic after the discussion on allotment of sites and provision of basic amenities at the layout identified for the civic workers turned into heated exchange between the Congress and the JD(S) councillors.

As soon as the meeting began, a Congress member said, facilities should be provided as per law at the layout where sites will be distributed to 42 pourakarmikas. Yashwant of Congress said, the government has earmarked Rs 25 crore for the benefit of 11,400 civic workers in the state under Gruha Bhagya scheme.

“On seniority basis, 42 workers have been identified in the district for sites under Gruha Bhagya scheme. But, the layout does not have space for community hall, health centre, school and park. A 160-feet wide rajakaluve passes through the layout. Who will be responsible for the technical problems in future?” he questioned.

CMC president H S Anil Kumar said, the layout is being developed on 1.2 acres of land belonging to the CMC. “The facilities could not be provided due to lack of space. A decision has been taken in this regard after consultation with the Urban Development department officials. The rest would be provided sites in the second phase, after identifying the land,” he added.

But, this did not convince the members, who explained that the pourakarmikas would borrow money for construction of houses, so due care should be taken to avoid problems in future. They demanded all basic amenities at the layout.

JD(S) councillors alleged that the Congress members are deliberately creating hurdles in the meeting. This led to heated exchange of words. However, Anil Kumar put an end to the discussion saying that a final decision would be taken after holding discussion with the pourakarmikas. He added that 82 women pourakarmikas will be felicitated on account of Gowri-Ganesha festival.

Discussion was also held on distributing uniforms to civic workers, their ESI and PF benefits and clearing of encroachments. Basavegowda, a civic worker, who retired from service was felicitated on the occasion. The members presented him a moped vehicle.