Bengaluru side-tracked in CM’s budget
No new developmental projects, but some health and school sops
BENGALURU:
In the absence of an elected civic council, Bengaluru seems to have dropped off the radar of the state government, as is evident from Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa’s budget for fiscal 2021-22 presented in the state assembly on Monday.
“Not a single new project has been announced in the budget. Nor have funds been allocated for various ongoing projects which are stuck due to various economic-related issues. Under such circumstances, BBMP won’t be able to undertake any fresh projects and instead will have to focus on speedy completion of ongoing works,” said an officer who was closely monitoring the state budget.
This could be the second year where areas under the BBMP limits will not see any kind of developmental activities — in other words, no new projects will be taken up.
Pandemic effect
Last year, developmental work was deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite there being an elected civic body, works were put on hold as the entire government machinery was focused on combating the pandemic and prioritising citizens’ health.
Among the city-specific projects mentioned in the CM’s budget is upgradation work of the 248 mld capacity STP in the Koramangala Valley at a cost of Rs 450 crore, to be undertaken by BWSSB in collaboration with BBMP.
Janarogya centres
Also, there will be Janarogya centres in 57 BBMP wards where there are no PHCs. “To enable the residents of Bengaluru to obtain primary treatment easily, Janarogya centres will be established by BBMP through the Health Department in 57 wards where there are no city primary health centres at a cost of Rs10 crore, and outpatient and diagnostic services will be provided,” the CM said.
Further, he announced provision of top-quality education to poor children, and the renovation and reconstruction of BBMP schools at an expenditure of Rs 33 crore.
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