Promises a complete changeover

More than five slums, an awkwardly designed flyover, narrow wards, water scarcity, lack of an underground sewage system, inefficient garbage disposal system are some of the problems that cry out for attention in Maruti Seva Nagar ward.

The transformation of slums into residential layouts, provision of potable water, encouraging youngsters to take part in sports activity are all part of the vision of the newly-elected Maruti Seva Nagar councillor, R Rajendran.

He said close interaction and easy accessibility to the residents in the ward were among his top priorities. Slums in the ward posed the biggest challenge to him. A helpline had been set up for the residents to air their grievances. About 350 title deeds will be issued to the slum dwellers in a month’s time.

A mini water scheme had been initiated where borewells will be drilled and a 10,000-litre tank for water storage will be constructed.  “The mini water scheme will be located at five slums. Nearly, twenty borewells for the ward have already been sanctioned.” 

 Rajendran said owing to the existence of several slums, the challenge lay in providing all amenities necessary for a proper residential area.  “These places should no longer be called slums but layouts for the downtrodden people. In the next five years, a complete transformation of the ward  will take place,” he said confidently.

The councillor also said that the flyover leading from Maruti Seva Nagar to Banaswadi had been causing traffic jams. Steps will be taken to remedy this.

Profile

R Rajendran
Congress Party
Education: SSLC pass
Family: Wife and two sons

What is your foremost priority for the development of the ward?

My primary target would be to convert these slums into residential layouts for the economically backward class.

What kind of financial assistance for women and senior citizens is being envisaged by you?

Under the BBMP, free tailoring classes for women are being held. In addition to this the Central government has also sponsored training in beautician courses. I will try to initiate a minority loan scheme for the welfare of SC/ST, pension scheme for widows and senior citizens.

City voices

B M Chakravarthy : The councillor is very approachable and tries to help everyone. Moreover, he has a vision for the development of the ward.

Saravanan: Many social service schemes are being facilitated in the ward. The slums require the maximum attention as seven slums exist in the ward.

P Balakrishnan: Under the Non-Formal Education Society, 300 students, mainly school dropouts have been enrolled as part of the development of the slum.