Rot in Bangalore Development Authority at every level, must stop acting as a broker: Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday urged the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to overhaul its functioning and shed its “broker-like” image as the organisation marks its 50th year.

Speaking at the inauguration of a workshop on governance and grievance redressal for BDA employees, Shivakumar said, “The BDA completes 50 years this year. At least now, change the image of the organisation. Eradicate the perception that it acts like a broker.”

“I am aware of the rot in the system at every stage, and I also know what is working well. In this backdrop, we have decided to digitise all documents. The organisation is getting a bad name because of around 10% of employees who are corrupt,” he said.

Referring to the BDA and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) as the “face of Bengaluru”, the Deputy Chief Minister urged officials to adopt a problem-solving approach. “Instead of red-taping files, identify mistakes constructively and find solutions. BDA employees must solve people’s problems, not create new ones. Find solutions within the legal framework and do not harass citizens,” he said.

Shivakumar said Bengaluru’s population had grown to 1.4 crore, even as infrastructure had failed to keep pace.

“We need to think of ways to shape the new Bengaluru. The Peripheral Ring Road was planned in 2010 and could have been built for Rs 26,000 crore then. Due to delays, the cost has now risen to Rs 50,000 crore. We have worked out an alternative plan to reduce costs and will go ahead with the project, regardless of opposition. I have told the chairman that not even an inch of land will be de-notified,” he said.