Finally, BBMP budget to be presented on August 1

BANGALORE: After much delay, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)’s budget for the current year is expected to presented on August 10.During the BBMP Council meet, Congress councilors turned up with black turbans and shouted slogans against BBMP for delaying the budget. Floor leader Padmanabha Reddy expressed doubts BJP government grating funds to BBMP. Udayshankar said that the ruling party is calling for the tender which was approved in the previous budget (2010-11). “The budget should be ideally presented in February of every year,” he condemned.Ruling party leader of the BBMP Council, B R Nanjundappa said that the budget will be presented on August 10. “We have spoken to the state government. We are also mobilising revenue sources from various other means,” he said.Inquiry committee reportReplying to a query regarding Mantri, Garuda Malls and Sobha Developers, Commissioner Siddiah said investigation for the report is still going on. “We are conducting a joint survey with Survey and Settlement Department. The report will be submitted soon.” Revenue from wedding hallsYediyur Ward Councilor N R Ramesh said that there are 659 wedding halls in Bangalore, but BBMP revenue officers claim 421. “Wedding hall owners pay just 1.55 per cent of the total income as tax to the BBMP.If BBMP increases the rate upto 10 per cent, BBMP would get atleast 40 crores revenue, Ramesh said.“Also 750 party halls in the city charge Rs 8,000- 25,000 per day. We need to include these party halls under tax and can generate revenues upto Rs 15 crores to the Palike” the Councilor added in the meeting.Optical fibre cablesRamesh also raised that the Telecom Department has given permission for OFCs to laid 45 kms underground by service operators, who has illegally extended to 67 kilometers. Telecom department has even collected tax worth crores. “How can they give permission and collect revenue when the land belongs to BBMP,” he questioned.Commissioner defied and said that the money will be refunded.Encroachment in PeenyaWhen Peenya Industrial Area Councilor K L Thimma Nanjaiah alleged that Sobha Developers had illegally built apartments (Sobha Ruby) on the storm water drain, Siddiah said necesasry action will be taken and the building will be demolished.Steel junk yard in mutton marketP Dhanraj of Dharmarayaswamy temple ward, said 55 shops have been converted into the gujari (steel junk yard) at New Bamboo Bazaar.There are 300 shops laying vacate in the same area. While at Kalasipalya market, many shops are paying rent of Rs 110 for the past 70 years. He suggested rent revision is necessary.