HDMC gets suggestions from public on budget

Hubballi: Amid heated discussions and arguments, a pre-budget meeting convened to seek opinion from the public ended with the decision of presenting a "practical HDMC budget" this time. The meeting convened by the civic body on Wednesday received several opinions in writing and orally.
Sharing their views, Premanath Chikkatumbal, president, Parivartana Rural and Urban Development Organization, said that the number of beneficiaries should be increased to 500 under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana. There is a need to make provision for the establishment of hawkers' zone and financial support to SC and ST communities, he said.

Sanjeev Dhumaknal of Sangram Sene demanded concessional rent at Kannada Bhavan and conventional halls. "Adequate fund allocation should be made in the budget to maintain public toilets," said Dhumaknal.

A few more suggestions related to special care towards cleanliness. Many called for the need to improve the drainage system, and increase facilities at parks and gardens. In reply to the issue, finance committee chairman Umesh Koujageri assured of incorporating the suggestions in the budget.

However, HDMC contractors' association secretary Sharad Doddamani threatened to boycott the works taken up under various projects if the civic body failed to clear monthly bills amounting to Rs 5 crore

Ganesh Tagargunti of the Congress and Shivanand Muttannavar of the BJP urged the officers to provide details on the money spent on schemes announced in the previous budget. They alleged that the HDMC was not implementing the schemes announced in the earlier budget. Veeranna Savadi, former finance committee chairman, sought to know if schemes promised in the budget were implemented.

The officer concerned replied that 80% of the schemes announced in the budget have been implemented. This led to arguments between Savadi and the officers.

HDMC commissioner Siddalingayya Hiremath intervened and furnished details. "Due to lack fund, some schemes announced in the last budget were not implemented. Last year, the total income estimated was Rs 139 crores. Of which Rs 87.65 crore was collected and of them Rs 37 crore was spent on pension grant and rest on development works. Yet, Rs 52 crore needs to be collected," said finance committee chairman Koujageri.