Column: Civic Reflections

In her column, Sakuntala Narasimhan reflects how the manifestoes released during election season end up being the means used to lure voters, nothing more.

Rice at Rs 2 for whom? There are poor residents of Bengaluru who have been trying to a ration card, for years. The budget is an exercise to use public money to enhance the ruling party’s prospects in the coming elections.

When it comes to providing services, BBMP claims to be cash strapped. But money is no issue when it comes to statues?

Slowly, but surely, and with increasing frequency, we are hearing of action by individuals or small groups, raising protests and making a difference – whether it is saving a lake or stopping garbage dumping.

Elections will come. But no social equity on the agenda. We forget, without the millions of poor workers,
none of us can manage.

Reclaim our city, the same way that the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protesters managed to catch global attention last year?

What examples are the authorities, the Vice chancellor, Registrar setting for the younger generation? With BU’s reputation plummeting, thousands of students passing out of here and applying abroad, find their chances eroded.

Residents whose dogs mess up the pavements and public places, are now warned that they will be fined and penalised. Will there be inspectors standing along all pathways, to keep track and nab the offenders and collect a fine?

Those of us among the minority of concerned citizens who despair over the state of the city’s affairs, let’s see how we can reach beyond what we think is possible.

Can’t someone design an indigenous trash bin, perhaps even one that will beep a loud message to passers by – to “put it in the bin” (in Kannada of course — thottiyalli haaki). How about it, lads?

The residents discovered that out of 11 CA sites sanctioned by BDA, meant for common use, seven had been illegally appropriated and encroached upon.

A pourakarmika being given the Namma Bengaluru award worth Rs one lakh, is particularly heartwarming when last year’s winners included the BBMP commissioner.