Bengaluru, Jun.08: Housing and Minorities Development Minister Zameer Ahmed said Janata Darshan will be conducted at the district level across the state from August 1.
“The purpose of holding Janata Darshan in district headquarters is to stop the people from coming to Bengaluru for the facilities and amenities under the housing and minorities department,” he said.
Reviewing the progress of the Slum Development Board on Thursday, he said the Janata Darshan would be held two days a month in each district in which taluk-level officers belonging to both departments would be present for the redressal of the people’s problems on the spot.
Without mincing words, Zameed Ahmed said, “I am giving two months to the officials to resolve any issue related to both departments by August. During the Janata Darshan, stern action will be taken on the spot against those officials who have failed to resolve problems.”
Responsibility
The minister said it was the responsibility of the officials to implement the programs and schemes related to the Karnataka Housing Board, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, Slum Development Board, and Minorities Department at the district and taluk level without misusing their power and office. They must thank the almighty that they have been allowed to work for the welfare of the poor and middle-class people. Infrastructure and other development works in 154 slums, including 25 in Bengaluru, which have been newly announced in the State, must be commenced within a month. “After the month’s deadline, I will personally give a surprise visit and check,” he noted.
Rs 500 crore grants
The officials pointed out that the funds allocated to the Slums Development Board were meager because of which development cannot be made on the expected scale. The shortage of funds has hampered even ongoing projects. Even the disbursement of the salary and other allowances to the employees has become difficult.
Reacting to this, Zameer Ahmed asked them to submit a proposal before the budget regarding the total funds required for ongoing projects and also request the government to release Rs 500 crore to the Slums Development Board every year.
When officials informed that at present, the Board has Rs 49 crore, the minister directed them to use that money only for emergency works. If the Slum Development Board takes up the construction works of other departments, they must collect 10 percent of the total cost as service charges. A resolution must be adopted in this regard to make the Board financially stronger. At the same time, the new complex of slum development board being constructed for Rs 90 crore should be completed at the earliest.
Slum Development Board Commissioner B. Venkatesh and other senior officials were present.
Box
Suspension Order
Minister Zameer Ahmed lashed out at the officials who were absent from the progress review and sought action against them for skipping the meeting without taking prior permission.
Meanwhile, Mandya Assistant Executive Engineer, Darshan Jain, who was absent from the meeting without obtaining the Commissioner’s permission, was ordered to be placed under suspension.
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