Karnataka urban bodies get 30% of funds despite 40% population share
Karnataka Municipal Administration Minister H.C. Balakrishna noted urban areas receive only 30% of state and central funds despite housing 40% of the population, during a review meeting in Mysuru.
Municipal Administration Minister H.C. Balakrishna on Tuesday highlighted a significant funding gap for urban local bodies (ULBs) in Karnataka. Speaking at a review meeting with officials from Hassan and Mandya districts, held at the Regional Commissioner's office in Mysuru, he noted that urban areas account for roughly 40% of the state's population but receive only about 30% of combined funding from the Centre and the state government.
The minister, known for advocating stronger resource mobilisation by ULBs, issued several directives during the meeting. He instructed officials to launch awareness drives encouraging property owners to get their properties assessed for the appropriate A or B khata certificates. He also stressed the need for timely rent collection from commercial shops owned by ULBs, warning that defaulting merchants should be served notices and face closure of their premises. Officials were cautioned that negligence leading to non-collection of rent would invite action against them.
Addressing infrastructure delays, Mr. Balakrishna asked officials to prepare district-wise lists of pending drinking water and underground drainage projects. He proposed separate meetings involving local MLAs, contractors, and officials to resolve bottlenecks and expedite these works.
On the welfare of pourakarmikas (sanitation workers), the minister said ULBs have already been directed to reserve two acres of land for residential layouts. Additionally, the department will write to district administrations to earmark five acres on the outskirts of ULBs or in rural areas to provide plots for pourakarmikas post-retirement.
Excise Minister Shivalinge Gowda, who attended the meeting, raised the issue of staff shortages in several town panchayats in Hassan district, requesting at least minimum required personnel be posted there. He added that implementation of the Urban Development Minister's directives would be reviewed at district-level meetings.
Responding, Mr. Balakrishna said officials and staff currently deputed to other departments would be recalled and posted to areas within the Municipal Administration Department facing shortages. For ULBs generating higher revenues, he permitted hiring eligible personnel through outsourcing, subject to rules.
MLAs A. Manju, A.B. Ramesh Babu, and Bandisiddegowda, along with Municipal Administration Department Director P. Ravindra and other officials, were present.