The Babu Jagjivan Ram community hall — constructed recently at a cost of Rs 2 crore by the State government to help people of the backward community to organise literary, cultural and private programmes — is in a dismal state owing to lack of co-ordination among elected representatives and the negligent attitude of authorities.
According to official sources, the permission for construction was given by the Department of Social Welfare on July 4, 2012, with an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore and the responsibility of constructing the building was handed over to Nirmithi Kendra here. The foundation stone for the building was laid on March 13, 2013, and the construction of the building was completed in August 2014. The building, which has a spacious hall with modern facilities for organizing events, has six rooms with attached toilets and separate toilets for men and women and ample space for parking vehicles. Though Nirmithi Kendra completed the construction of the building in a year, the inauguration has been delayed owing to lack of co-ordination between Davangere District In-charge Minister Shamnur Shivshankarappa and the Minister for Social Welfare H Anjaneya, and also the model code of conduct for elections, sources added.
Owing to lack of maintenance and security at the bhavan, the window glasses have been damaged and the premises of the bhavan have become safe place for consumption of liquor and playing cards. The Social Welfare Department, which is responsible for its maintenance, should form a committee under the leadership of tahasildar and representatives from backward communities. But even after 10 months of completion, no steps have been taken in this regard, sources alleged.
Dalit leader M.L. Hanumantappa said the issue would be brought to the notice of Deputy Commissioner S.T. Anjan Kumar, and the concerned authorities would be urged to take necessary steps for maintaining the bhavan by forming the committee.
Social Welfare Officer Kumar Hanumantappa said the inauguration of the building was delayed owing to non-availability of the concerned minister and the model code of conduct for elections. Steps would be taken for its early inauguration by consulting the higher authorities.
‘Owing to lack of maintenance and security at the bhavan, windows have been damaged’
