The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will lock shops whose licences/agreements have not been renewed within the 15-day deadline, said Y.R. Gowramma, chairperson of the Standing Committee for Markets.
She told presspersons here on Wednesday that there were 6,016 shops in the 121 markets in the East, West and South zones. Of these, 32 markets with 1,382 shops were in a dilapidated condition. “We have already notified the remaining 4,634 shops to renew their agreements. So far, we have received renewal applications from 1,315 shops.”
She also pointed out that 35 government departments, including Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, India Post, South Western Railway and public sector banks, have not paid rent for the past several years. Though the rent to be collected from these departments is Rs. 16.67 crore, only Rs. 3.99 crore has been collected. “We have already intimated the departments concerned to pay the dues,” she added.
She said that many original allottees had either sold their shops or subleased the same without informing the BBMP. “The current shopkeepers will have a chance to apply for renewal and sign an agreement with the BBMP,” she said.
Rent hike Ms. Gowramma said that for the first time, the committee has proposed to increase the rent by 25 per cent based on the guidance value. “The proposal will be tabled before the council for approval,” she said, adding that this will increase the revenue from markets to around Rs. 80 crore.
‘Hand over markets’ Committee member B.R. Nanjundappa said the committee had written to the Commissioner seeking handing over markets in Bommanahalli, K.R. Puram and Dasarahalli zones to the Deputy Commissioner (Markets).
Currently, markets in these zones are under the control of the zonal commissioners.
To a query on renovation of Russell Market, he said the plan had been put off for now due to political pressure. “After the fire, the traders renovated the market themselves. The issue will be discussed in the council and we will request the government to take the final decision,” he said.
