The budget for 2012-13 passed by the Thrikkakara municipality led by the United Democratic Front on Thursday has a ‘unique' allocation.
Of the Rs. 11.60 crore allocated for development of roads and construction of roads, bridges, and waiting sheds, Rs. 10 lakh has been allocated for naming various roads within the limits of the municipality.
Municipal vice-chairperson Shereena Shukoor said that the allocation was for placing name boards at various roads. While names of existing roads will be preserved, there are many roads which were yet to be named, she said. The help of councillors will be sought in naming roads within their ward limits. Some roads will be named after eminent personalities, Ms. Shukoor said.
Asked about the number of roads which were yet to be named and receive name boards, Ms. Shukoor said that she will have to consult the asset register. She said that it was not possible to estimate the cost for naming per road but it will be fixed based on tender formalities.
Asked whether the allocation was a bit on the higher side for a municipality facing many serious problems, Ms. Shukoor said the entire allocation need not be used up but may cost less than what had been allocated.
The opposition Left Democratic Front had taken exception to this. Opposition councillor Kunjumarakkar said that the allocation for naming roads had been made while the budget did not have a single paisa set apart for the welfare of the scheduled caste community. He said the opposition would take up the matter at the discussion on the budget to be held on Saturday.
Mr. Kunjumarakkar said the budget had no new projects despite the municipality being the richest among the municipalities in the State.
