BANGALORE: Announcement of cancellation of Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s fund by Home Minister and District in-charge Minister R Ashok has attracted criticism from former Mayors and other senior leaders.On Saturday, Minister Ashok had announced that when BBMP was formed, Rs 150 crore was allotted for Mayor’s fund, while Rs 25 crore was allotted for Deputy Mayor’s fund.Now, BBMP does not have sufficient grants and hence the decision was taken. Former Mayor K Chandrasekar, who is also Councillor to Hanumanthnagar ward said that it is not fair to cancel Mayor’s fund. Under Karnataka Municipal Corporation 1976, Mayor does not have much power.“Mayor, though given the powers to release funds for emergency works, can release funds through tender only. Mayors should inspect all the works and interact with common people. Mayor’s fund should be released on priority basis for which Mayor should visit the places,” he said.Former Mayor P R Ramesh said that allocation for Mayor’s fund can be continued, if the funds are utilised properly. Accountability and transparency should be maintained. After all, Mayor’s funds are for public utility. However, there is no harm in cancelling Deputy Mayor’s fund.Opposition leader M Udayshankar said, “Under Mayor’s fund, one can release funds for emergency work. By cancelling the funds, it is taking away the rights,” he said.Further Udayshankar alleged that BJP which has come to rule for the first time, does not know how to rule.
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