Three crucial posts in Bangalore Development Authority (BDA)---Commissioner, Town Planner and Engineer Member --are occupied by officers holding additional charge for a long time now.
The government however, seems to be in no hurry to fill these three vacancies with suitable candidates in place of those holding additional charge.
The government is keen on continuing with the way BDA is functioning until elections; or at least till the master plan is tabled in the cabinet, whichever is earlier.
BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh also holds the post of principal secretary water resources department and chairman of Karnataka Milk Federation.
Town Planner Thippeswamy N K is also planner at Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA).
After the retirement of Engineer Member P N Nayak, the post is held by superintendent engineer Ravindran.
These posts play a crucial role in the development of the city and mitigating crises like the recent fire at Bellandur Lake fire and finalising the comprehensive master plan- 2031.
George ducks questions
Bengaluru Development Minister K J George, who is also BDA minister, said that as there is not much for a BMRDA official. "He can hold additional charge in BDA," the minister added.
"Besides, there is dearth of IAS officers. So deploying one exclusively for BDA commissioner is tough, " he claims.
George does not want to disturb the existing set up in BDA by bringing new officials until the master plan is tabled before the Cabinet.
"All decisions taken by the engineer are approved only after the commissioner clears them. There is a shortage of qualified candidates to handle the post of a BDA engineer member," George added.
Citizens complain
"Each time we visit BDA or make a call, we are told that town planner is in BMRDA. If we approach engineer member's office, we are told that he is not competent to make any commitment or issue statements as he is holding additional charge. There are specific timings for BDA commissioner's visit to BDA. Visitors get no time with him because he is surrounded by officials who need to get files cleared," said citizen K Keshav.