Reply from BBMP after CIVIC follow up on citizen charter

Subject: Establishing a participatory process in finalizing Programme of Works (PoW) in BBMP at ward level.

CIVIC is an not for profit non governmental organization since 1992 working on issues of urban governance in Bengaluru. FCSS-Ward 60 is an informal federation of associations in Sagayapuram Ward, formed in 2010 to work on civic issues in ward 60.

Background:

With BBMP’s encouragement and support, CIVIC was able to evolve a ‘Programme of works for the year 2010-2011’ by employing ‘Participatory Planning and Budgeting’ method in a ward 60 – Sagayapuram. We wish to brief you on the process we followed in evolving this people’s PoW. After discussion with Additional Commissioner on 12th Jan 2010, we identified active RWAs in the ward and arranged for an interactive session with RWAs and BBMP officials on 16th Jan. The concept was shared and all accepted that a ward plan has to be developed involving people from each area.

This was the beginning of the next challenge – bridging the social divide. The biggest challenge was in bringing different sections of society on a single platform to collectively plan for the ward. While the RWAs are active in southern part, it took a while to convince them that a plan for the ward can’t be a plan drawn only by them but people and communities from different areas need to be involved. They appreciated this point and agreed to work with northern sections.

The second step was to identify individuals/groups in the northern part that are simply oblivious to the idea of ‘participation’ and then bring them around to sit with organized RWAs. We succeeded after numerous forays into the northern area, known for notorious activities. Collectively they now have formed a federation of civil societies and people. The concept was shared with the federation. The RWAs have agreed that from the budget meant for the ward, the developed portion needs only maintenance work while the bulk of it has to go to the poorer portion for development works.

Later it was followed with area-wise assessment of requirements, especially in the under-developed areas with active participation of RWAs

A cumulative list of required works was prepared for each area. The list was prioritized for each area in couple of meetings. And finally first, second and third priority list of works for the areas were finalized in the meeting and later put into drawings.

The prioritized list of works/drawings evolved with participation of people/organizations was presented to the councilor Ms. Palaniyammal V and to the BBMP Executive Engineer on 7th May 2010 in a formal programme.

Later the request letters were submitted formally to BBMP East zone on 25th May 2010 to Chief Engineer for adoption of Programme of Works (POW).

Now

After continuous follow up with the BBMP officers at the Zonal Office and Head Office, we find that less than 25% of the works listed as per the priority of the people of the ward finds its way in the finalized PoW of 2010-11. We find of about Rs.3 crore budget given to the ward, Rs. 24 lacs is being spent on the name boards and Rs.18 lacs on pot hole filling. When asked about the process followed in drawing this list, there is no response from the BBMP, as yet.

Sir, we find that there is no process employed in:

Drawing a list of required works for the ward
Prioritizing the list of works for the ward and corresponding budget allocation

We request you to Establishing a participatory process in finalizing Programme of Works (PoW) in BBMP at ward level.