Urban areas get 30% of funds despite accounting for 40% of population: Karnataka Minister for Municipal Administration H.C. Balakrishna
Mr. Balakrishna also directed officials to create awareness among the property owners to get their properties assessed for obtaining A or B khata as applicable.
Karnataka Minister for Municipal Administration H.C. Balakrishna has highlighted that urban areas, despite housing around 40% of the population, receive only 30% of funding from the Centre and State. During a meeting with ULB officials from Hassan and Mandya districts in Mysuru, Balakrishna emphasized the need for greater awareness among property owners to obtain A or B khata assessments.
He also directed officials to ensure timely rent collection from commercial shops, threatening notices and closures for non-compliance. The minister called for district-wise lists of delayed drinking water and drainage works, urging MLAs to mediate with contractors and officials for resolution. ULBs have been instructed to reserve land for pourakarmikas' residential layouts, with the Department of Municipal Administration planning to reserve sites for retired pourakarmikas.
Excise Minister Shivalinge Gowda raised concerns over staff shortages in town panchayats, requesting minimum personnel postings. Balakrishna assured the recall of officials from other departments to address these shortages, particularly in ULBs with higher revenue mobilization, proposing outsourcing as a solution.
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