Bhoomi Pooja for new corporation offices under GBA on November 1: Deputy CM

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said that the Bhoomi Pooja for the five new corporation offices would be done on November 1.

Speaking to reporters after unveiling the nameboard for the Greater Bengaluru Authority office, he said, “We have approved 500 posts for engineers keeping in mind the need for development of roads in each corporation. The number of wards has also been increased from 198 to 500. Funds to the tune of Rs 300 crore would be released from the BBMP for the five corporations for administrative expenses, salaries and pensions soon.”

Asked about including new areas into the five corporations, he said, “If we add new areas to the existing corporation areas, we will have to deem the panchayat members as corporation members. We will think about including them in the future.”

On the issue of responsibilities of the new commissioners, the Deputy CM said, “The new commissioners must be among the people and review all works. They will have to work 16-17 hours a day. Hence we have appointed seasoned officers.”

‘Open to changing name’

Asked about BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan’s objection to the name ‘Greater Bengaluru Authority’, which is in English, he said, “I will ask him for suggestions. It has been the same in Delhi and Mumbai. There is no way we will ignore our mother tongue, but we will use Kannada words if we find the right word.”

Asked if the GBA would be able to bring in changes, he said, “It is certainly possible. The public also needs to join hands with the corporations, only then we can offer a transparent administration. People also need to be honest in declaring their properties. The GBA will oversee works, while corporations will be doing most of the day-to-day works.”