Bribes for govt schemes among other issues flagged to Shivakumar; residents submit nearly 4,000 complaints from 2 pockets of Bengaluru

K R Puram and Mahadevapura are two of the 10 constituencies in Bengaluru where the Janaspandana programme is set to take place. The programmes will involve receiving public grievances and directing them to appropriate government agencies for action.

The programme was attended by K R Puram MLA Byrathi Basavaraj and Mahadevapura MLA Manjula Limbavali and representatives of the civic agencies like the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited among others.

From demand to address water related issues to want of better roads and from fixing storm water drains to initiating action against corrupt government officials, residents submitted a series of complaints concerning civic and infrastructure works.

Residents of Panathur, Balagere, Gunjur and Varthur requested Shivakumar to provide basic road infrastructure and drains in the area. They also demanded access to public transportations with efficient bus connectivity.

Complaints related to Congress guarantee schemes like the Gruhalakshmi, Gruhajyothi, Anna Bhagya and officials taking bribes to fulfill the benefits of the schemes were also submitted to the Deputy Chief Minister.

Shivakumar also ordered immediate suspension of a BBMP officer who took a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a resident seeking conversion to the ‘A khata’. He also ordered the cancellation of the license of a fair price shop after it was alleged that a bribe of Rs 7,000 was taken to issue a ration card.

Shivakumar also directed the police to file FIR against miscreants taking bribes from street vendors in K R Puram. He further announced financial assistance worth Rs 1 lakh for families diagnosed with different health complications.

Meanwhile, Namma Whitefield RWA Federation boycotted the programme citing the absence of government agencies like the Metropolitan Planning Committee, lack of area sabhas, misgovernance among other issues.

“The necessity for a Jana Samparka Sabha to understand people’s problems is an indication that the systemic redressal system or mechanism is not functioning. We require a system that works for the citizens every single day, not on a particular Jana Samparka Day,” a statement issued by the federation said.

The federation also urged Shivakumar to prosecute corrupt public officials, bulldoze illegal buildings and layouts and ensure transparency.

“The people of K R Puram and Mahadevapura have submitted their appeals to me. It is not possible to redress all the issues in one day. Drinking water, roads, sewerage and cleanliness would be taken up on a priority basis. Nodal officers would be appointed to oversee the works. Individual grievances will be sent to the respective departments,” Shivakumar said.

He added, “There are many grievances related to the guarantee and pension schemes. Many women have given their husband’s phone numbers for Gruha Lakshmi. I have asked the officials to look into it. The MLAs of the two Assembly constituencies have raised many issues. Drinking water issues will be taken up on a priority basis and the rest will be taken up in stages.”