Secretary suggests local bodies mobilise resources, not to depend on the government for financial assistance

B.B. Kaveri, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka (Urban Development) and Secretary in-charge of Shivamogga district, has directed officers of local bodies to mobilise their own resources and strengthen their financial position so that they need not depend on the government or any other financial agency to conduct their operations.

At a review meeting with officers in Shivamogga on Saturday, Ms. Kaveri said local bodies should not expect financial assistance from the government in the coming years and should instead look for ways to improve their resources.

She said local bodies should achieve 100% progress in collecting property tax from sites and buildings, as well as rent and other charges from residents, and that the chief officers of the local bodies should look for ways to increase revenue.

Reviewing the progress in issuing e-khatas, Ms. Kaveri expressed unhappiness over the poor pace of work and insisted that officers meet the targets set within the deadline without offering excuses. She said local bodies could increase their revenue by issuing e-khatas.

The quality of drinking water supplied to residents in city and town areas should be tested periodically, Ms. Kaveri said, adding that serious health problems had arisen in some parts of the State because water quality was not tested and that the officials concerned would be held directly responsible if such a situation arose. Citing the drinking water supply system in Tirthahalli, she suggested that other local bodies follow the model.

Ms. Kaveri also said necessary steps should be taken to collect, segregate, and dispose of the municipal solid waste generated every day, adding that negligence on the part of officials in this regard would not be tolerated.

Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalakatti, Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth, and Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil were among those present at the meeting.