Minister promises additional Rs 50 crore grants to CMC

District In-charge Minister M R Seetharam on Wednesday promised to sanction additional Rs 50 crore grants to the City Municipal Council (CMC), if the councillors made better use of Rs 36 crore already sanctioned towards various developmental works.

Seetharam, who was chairing over a meeting of the councillors irrespective of party affiliations, wanted them to iron out their differences and work towards people’s welfare in view of the next elections.

He argued in favour of sitting president Kaveramma Somanna and asked the councillors to ignore dissenting voices and work towards bringing in reforms in drinking water supply, roads, power supply and also underground drainage works. Sending a clear message that he will not tolerate indiscipline, the minister wanted the councillors to shun selfish mindset and work as a team.

The minister questioned the councillors about facing the forthcoming elections without undertaking any development activities in their wards. He reminded them that it was also for the first time the CMC was granted a whopping Rs 36 crore aid. If the amount is judiciously spent, additional Rs 50 crore will be sanctioned, he promised.

He also handed over the task of manning unruly members to councillor K M B Ganesh, even as some of the fellow councillors were against the latter for being irregular to meetings.

BJP councillor Unnikrishna denied any lack of coordination among councillors, except for a few others who are toing and froing only to protect their personal interests.

CMC vice president T S Prakash wanted to bring in amendments to tap more funds available under Nagarothana third phase, for wards represented by SC and ST councillors. The minister who outrightly rejected any such plans, instead advised the councillors to distribute more funds to general category wards where the targeted communities are in large numbers.

The minister also fixed a deadline for the authorities concerned to complete the underground drainage works within June 5, by resuming works on check dam at Kundamestri that was stalled due to the intervention of Forest department.

A section of councillors demanded the minister not to recommend for the transfer of CMC Commissioner Shobha. The minister denied any such plans and said that the government has no intention to transfer any good working officials. The CMC commissioner will remain here at least till the forthcoming elections, he assured.