Mangalore: Denotification to be stopped, 9,11 form laws will be relaxed - Sorake
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Sep 17: “Urban development department is a very sensitive portfolio; many have been put behind bars for their involvement in illegal activities in the department in denotification cases. Hence, the department has decided to stop denotification and change of plans,"said urban development minister and Udupi district in-minister Vinaya Kumar Sorake.
Interacting with reporters here on Tuesday September 17, Sorake said, "The government has planned to relax the laws relating to forms 9 and 11 which is creating problems in conversion, purchasing, selling of land."
Commenting on Yethinahole project, Sorake said, "Netravati is a prominent river of Dakshina Kannada; farmers will face problems if the tributary is diverted. Hence we have also sent alternative suggestions to the government."
He added, "According to 2001 census, urban population increased by 3 percent while rural population reduced by 6 percent. In Bangalore city, according to 2001 census, population increased to 57 lac. In 2011, it increased to 1 crore.
"Urban development department has to provide 40 percent basic facilities to the people who are living in cities. There is shortage of staff in this department; since 1982 staff have not been appointed. Hence seven IAS officers were appointed to improve the efficiency in the department. There is also shortage of staff in city corporations including the Mangalore City Corporation. This issue will be discussed with chief minister and vacant posts will be filled soon," he said.
"The department has put forward a proposal of Rs 10,000 crore for allotment of various amenities in which central government will provide 80 percent financial assistance, state 10 percent and urban local body the rest," he added.
For the development of cities, the government, keeping in mind the vision of 2040, has planned to improve basic facilities. For various development projects, land will be acquired through land banks. The municipal corporations like Shimoga, Tumkur, Bijapur will be turned into city corporations. Nearly 50 percent of non-agricultural areas will converted into town panchayats, he informed.
"Government has also planned a Capacity Building Scheme for officers, by providing training for four years. The department will give more importance to cleanliness and solid waste management. Moreover, it will launch awareness programme for the people," Sorake added.
To bring in innovation in urban governance, under the guidance of National Innovation Council chairman Sam Pitroda, the government will set up a committee of council planners for the purpose of development, he said.
"Corporators lack vision, hence, a two-day training programme will be organized for them. The department has planned to establish compulsory ward committees and ward meetings to maintain transparency in administration."
"The department's dream for Greater Mangalore will be given importance. It has been even discussed with state ministers Abhayachandra Jain and U T Khadar," he said.
"In the Rs 1,300 crore KUDCEMP project, the previous government had sanctioned Rs 520 for the purpose of drinking water and drainage system. But work has not been completed. Hence the present government has sanctioned Rs 280 crore. Roads leading to the international airport will be concreted," he added.
P B Harish Rai, president of DK working journalist association, and Srinivas, secretary were present on the occasion.