The number of employees' welfare organisations in the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike seems to be increasing every year. Just around three years ago, there were seven associations. Now, there are 24. And eight more are likely to be set up shortly.
What is interesting is that most of these associations have their own offices within the BBMP premises and even get funds from the civic authority to organise cultural programmes.
The Hindu found that quite a few office-bearers are members of more than one association. Through the day, the members spend long hours in their association offices. “We are unable to question them. They claim allegiance to caste-based associations and hold us hostage. A minimum work force of around 400 — all office-bearers of these associations — neglect their work in various departments,” alleged a BBMP official.
The official claimed that most associations, which existed for over a decade, had been given offices in the BBMP head office. These associations did not pay any rent to the civic authority.
“Earlier, each association would get around Rs. 10,000 a year from the BBMP. However, over the past six years, the funds have gone up to Rs. 1 lakh a year. These associations usually organise a couple of cultural events to celebrate birth anniversaries of various leaders. Often, they even collect more funds individually from the officials, contractors and now, councillors,” the official added.
No benefits
Of the 24 welfare organisations in the BBMP, at least 15 organisations exist for the benefit of pourakarmikas. There are caste-based organisations, Kannada and cultural associations.
Rajanna, a pourakarmika (name changed), claimed that although there were several associations established for the “welfare of the pourakarmikas,” benefits had not trickled down to them. “When these associations are formed, they all vow to work for our uplift. Once a year, the associations come together and organise protests under one umbrella organisation,” he said.
A. Jeyerem, general secretary of the Bangalore City Pourakarmikas and Gangmen Union, an old association, said several “agents and outsiders” had set up associations for pourakarmikas. “These associations claim to help the retired pourakarmikas, but take away part of the benefit due to them. Also, for years on end, elections are not held to elect the office-bearers,” he said.
He said the BBMP's senior officials should ensure that elections were held regularly. “We have raised this issue with Mayor, who has assured us of looking into it.”
According to a BBMP official, most of these associations were initially started to organise the unorganised sector in the civic authority. “However, it is not so now. The members do not need any authority's permission to set up a new association. To be linked to one or more associations is now seen as a status symbol,” he said.
Meanwhile, M. Nagaraj, Leader of the Opposition, said that while the employees' organisations were essential, the sudden increase in their numbers was not a good development. “The BBMP is giving these associations funds, which is the taxpayers' money. These associations are obligated to be accountable.” He said the Commissioner and other senior BBMP officials must ensure that the taxpayers' money was utilised properly by these associations. “I will take up the issue with the Mayor soon,” he added.
B.S. Sathyanarayana (BJP) said he would look into the issue and discuss it with the Mayor.
