Crumbling system, inept leadership

The recent surprise inspections conducted by Lokayukta officers at several offices of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have unearthed a disturbing picture of systemic inefficiency, corruption, and administrative neglect. Led by Justice B S Patil, the inspection revealed lapses in governance, including missing files, long-pending applications, unaccounted cash, and a shocking lack of discipline among employees. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Lokayukta's findings was the absence of many employees during the inspection. Some offices were apparently being run by middlemen and contract workers who were not even supposed to have a say in administrative matters. In one case, a youth working on behalf of his mother was arrested, highlighting the severity of the issue. Many offices were found lacking basic signboards regarding services offered by BBMP, while officers failed to update the status of applications online, thereby hindering citizen access to critical information. The absence of inspection records pertaining to building plans and unauthorised structures further exposed the civic body’s failure to enforce urban development laws, leaving Bengaluru vulnerable to illegal constructions and encroachments.

This lack of accountability is a glaring example of poor oversight and administrative negligence. This reflects poorly on the BBMP leadership which seems to have lost control over the administration. Their inability to maintain discipline and address inefficiencies raises serious questions about their leadership. It is appalling that BBMP officers were oblivious to these happenings right under their noses. For an organisation responsible for the welfare of lakhs of citizens, such lapses are unacceptable. Senior officers should not wait for the Lokayukta inspection to highlight shortcomings, but must proactively ensure that their teams function smoothly and transparently.

Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar must take immediate steps to set things in order. It is not enough to respond to crises as they arise; a complete overhaul of the system is needed. A zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement is crucial to putting BBMP back on track. This requires holding public servants accountable for their roles by institutionalising regular inspections, audits, and checks so that such embarrassing revelations do not surface time and again. Administrative accountability cannot be a passive function but requires visionary leadership, regular monitoring, and an unwavering commitment to serving the public. The BBMP appears to be an organisation that has lost its way and without drastic reforms, its services will continue to deteriorate, severely impacting the lives of citizens. The status quo is unacceptable and the time for decisive action is now to ensure a better future for Bengaluru.