Bengaluru: As many as 51 of the 198 corporators were conferred with Corporator #1 Namma Samiti Puraskaara at an event here on Sunday.
Former Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde honoured the winners with traditional Mysuru Peta. A short film on ward committees, a skit by children from Jwala Mukhi, a video tribute to Girish Karnad by Prakash Belawadi, speeches by Mayor Gangambike were highlights of the programme.
Hegde said some people warned him against going to a function that awards politicians, but there are good people in politics too and it is our collective responsibility to recognize their good work of politicians.
BBMP opposition leader Padmanabha Reddy said, “We need to strengthen the third-tier of governance for better delivery of services and increased accountability and transparency.”
Mayor Gangambike said, “It is wonderful to see citizens appreciating the work of corporators. We feel good and with citizen partnership and participation, we will make our city overcome the challenges we face every day.”
Srinivas Alavilli, Co Founder, Citizens for Bengaluru said, “Today, a brand new chapter has been written for urban local self governance in India. The dream of decentralization is coming true with ward committees finally being functional after 27 years, and we, the citizens have a responsibility to acknowledge and appreciate the work of BBMP corporators who have been regularly holding ward committee meetings.” He said the ongoing political crisis in state assembly demonstrates that there is a huge trust gap between the people and politicians.
