Corruption is deeply rooted in the BBMP at every level and at every step. Right from garbage collection to issuing building licences, trade licences, and birth and death certificates, corruption reigns supreme. The only language the BBMP understands is ‘money’.
Though citizens pay Solid Waste Management (SWM) cess along with the property tax, they are fleeced at every level to get their garbage cleared. Several prominent citizens of Bengaluru feel that the participation of residents should be made mandatory in all infrastructure works taken up by the BBMP to ensure transparency and accountability. Team DC speaks to experts on the way forward to weed out corruption.
Need a mass movement against corruption in BBMP
H.S. Doreswamy, freedom fighter
It is sad that the issue of corruption has not been made a main election issue in this ongoing BBMP election. It is doubtful whether any new administration which comes to power after the elections will do anything to eradicate corruption. The simple reason for this is that the political parties have not considered the issue of corruption as a serious one while issuing tickets. Winnability is considered the main yardstick to decide candidature, while corruption is the main trump card for all the parties to amass wealth.
The need of the hour is a mass movement. Only this can solve the problem of corruption in the BBMP. A movement by a party like AAP can help the cause. When people raise their voices, definitely the corruption level will come down. So, we need to think about launching a mass movement and we need to pressurize all the people's representatives to make the BBMP corruption-free.
Moral bankruptcy of existing ombusdman a major issue
Prof. G.K. Karanth, social scientist
Economics of electoral politics definitely do not allow our law makers to make the BBMP corruption-free. Today’s elections have reached such a stage where a candidate plans his electioneering based on whether he is capable of buying the sufficient votes required to get elected. A candidate spends several crores to win.
If a foolproof anti corruption agency is created, they are left with no option other than committing suicide. So, definitely in the newly-elected BBMP, there will not be any place for a foolproof ombudsman.
Another major issue is moral bankruptcy of the existing ombudsman. This issue has raised several questions over the very existence of anti- corruption watchdogs. This is another challenge in front of us. So, I feel dreaming of a foolproof anti-corruption agency to monitor and initiate action in the BBMP is just a daydream.
The hoardings put up across the city by Rajyasabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekar, urging the people to vote for the right candidates during the BBMP Elections (Photo: R. Samuel)
Citizens should start questioning corporators
Ravindranath Guru, Co-ordinator, Coalition Against Corruption (CAC)
Corruption is deep-rooted and spread across the BBMP. Can anyone imagine that corruption prevails even when it comes to property tax collection from citizens? Money is taken to reduce the quantum of tax and to give false declarations on property. It is time the citizens woke up and started questioning the corporators who rule us for five years.
CAC is carrying out a survey on a list of priorities which the citizens have in mind. The list will be finalized in a couple of days. The state government must have a desire for a corruption-free administration at the local level. The urban local body must present a realistic budget and emphasis should be given to transparency.
Active public participation through ward sabhas will help eradicate corruption. Besides, corporators must be asked to give their charter or agenda for the next five years and should be supported by the party. This helps rate the performance at the end of five years and citizens can be made aware before voting next time around.
Ward committees must be set up to monitor corporators
D.S. Rajshekar, president, Citizens’ Action Forum (CAF)
Ward committees must be set up within one month of constitution of the council across 198 wards. This helps bring in transparency and accountability and a framework for the corporators to work. Each corporator should provide accounts on the money received for the ward development and money spent.
Money sanctioned and spent for specific works should be displayed at public libraries and other public places, apart from uploading it on website. It should me mandatory for all corporators to submit a quarterly report to the ward committees. If any discrepancy is found, ward committee members must demand for the corporator’s resignation. Instead of passing the buck, the corporator should act if an official is indulging in corruption.
