The extension of the date for formation of ward committees to June 15 by the High Court has come as a breather for the BBMP. However, civic activists say that with many citizens still unaware that they can individually apply to be a part of the committee, only around 350 names had been received, apart from nominations from councillors, which is far short of the 1,980 seats available for the 198 wards.
The BBMP informed the High Court that ward committees have been constituted in 68 wards, but the list of names has not been made public yet. BBMP Commissioner Manjunath N. Prasad said that the list would be published after verification. Regarding individual applications, he said once applications are received, the civic body would check if there is a shortage of names in any ward.
"If there is a shortage, we will take a decision on what needs to be done," said Mr. Prasad.
Lack of awareness, say activists
Activists allege that the BBMP has not actively raised awareness on the process for citizens to apply to ward committees.
Since ward committees were formed by the civic body in 1999, this is the first time that individual citizens have been given a chance to apply for membership.
"We want individuals to apply as only they will be able to question the councillor and bring about transparency in the issues affecting the city," said Kathyayani Chamaraj, a civic activist.
Narendra Kumar of the Lancha Mukta Karnataka Nirmana Vedike (Bribe Free Karnataka) said that the vedike had submitted names of 40 citizens. Along with Civic NGO B.PAC, which submitted 35 names, and approximately 250 individual applications received by the BBMP, the total number would be close to 350, he said.
"Even many BBMP officials, right up to the Joint Commissioner level, are unaware that the BBMP has to constitute the committees and were under the impression that their role was to forward the list submitted by councillors," said Mr. Kumar.
B.PAC has encouraged citizens who have undergone its civic leadership programme to apply. Around 35 citizens who were part of the programme have applied, B.PAC spokesperson Sharath S.R said. "In the past, the councillor’s list used to be taken as final. It is a welcome development that this time the commissioner has readily sought nominations from citizens," he added.
Citizens can submit their names either to their councillor, ARO office or the BBMP Commissioner.
