BENGALURU: In the aftermath of former BBMP assistant commissioner K. Mathai’s submission before the DPAR that he would have brought in advertisement revenue of Rs 305 crore if he were not transferred from the BBMP, Mayor Manjunath Reddy has a different view.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mr. Reddy said that the BBMP was contemplating submitting the revenue collection process by Mr. Mathai at Shantalanagar ward, to the Technical Vigilance Cell under the Commissioner (TVCC) for a detailed probe.
“No one can deny that there has been a record collection of Rs 3 crore at the Shantalanagar ward. But the way in which the collection was made has to be checked. Although the state government had placed an embargo on renewal of unauthorized hoardings, they have still been renewed. Also, the advertisement by-law has stipulated different zones and maximum sizes of advertisements. He has authorized oversized hoardings in the Shantalanagar ward,” pointed out Mr. Reddy.
He added, “There is no way oversized hoardings can be regularized. When these advertisement hoardings are authorized, obviously the revenue collection shoots up. However, he has done good work, too,” he admitted, “by bringing smaller shops under the tax net. Earlier, they were not paying revenue,” he added.
Mr. Mathai had a free hand before an IAS officer V. Rashmi was posted as BBMP special commissioner (Resources). There was no stopping him. He should have taken officers who work above and under him into confidence, said Mr. Reddy and added that he too had discussed with Mr. Mathai on how he should take all the officials right from the juniormost officer upwards, into confidence.
Speaking to DC, Mr. Mathai said that there was total non co-operation from officials and the Mayor and enforcement team was not provided to remove the unauthorized hoardings after levying penalties. Tenders were not called for hiring an enforcement team or even if floated they ensured that nobody participated in the tender process.
“There is an unholy nexus between the advertisement mafia and a few corporators who ensure that unauthorized hoardings are not removed. Just because I said Rs. 305 crore can be collected in three months, I was transferred. I am ready for any kind of probe!” he challenged.
