Budget that paves way for development
A corporation budget getting such news coverage was a seemingly new precedent. Already in the national limelight for a historic BJP win, the Thiruvananthapuram corporation budget was streamed live on news channels, a seldom-offered gesture to other corporations in the state. The Prime Minister's invitation to Thiruvananthapuram BJP councillors to Delhi added to the popularity factor.
Many announcements in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation budget gave a sign of the essence of the Prime Minister's instructions and the implementation of the promises in the manifesto. Mayor VV Rajesh said after passing the budget that the PMBY project will go ahead, and the announcements in the budget will be implemented, regardless of any objections. Some officials are deliberately trying to delay the bills. He also accused the governing body of taking steps to slow down its activities.
It was also noteworthy that the Mayor talked about a letter he received from a woman in Sulthan Bathery. In the letter, the woman had requested the Mayor to somehow help her build a house through any of the schemes available. The Mayor said that the woman choosing to write the letter to the Thiruvananthapuram corporation out of all others itself was a recognition of the works implemented. The mayor also informed the council that he would find a sponsor on his own and build the house. He also revealed that after the PMBY project was announced in the budget, some people had shown a nice gesture to offer help to provide houses to those who were eligible.
During the budget discussion, accusations and counter-accusations are natural. Constructive suggestions from the opposition have been incorporated. Deputy Mayor Asha Nath said that mistakes will be corrected and amended. While the ruling party claimed that what was presented in the municipality was a popular budget, the opposition accused it of being a hastily made one using a slew of project names.
Considering the filthy and squalid state of many markets in the capital, BJP councillor R Sreelekha put forward a great suggestion. She suggested that a team visit Indonesia, Bhutan, and Nepal and study the functioning of their markets. Garbage removal, cleaning, and the proper functioning of markets are essential factors that would uplift basic human conditions.
Mayor V.V. Rajesh is focusing on efforts to make the corporation's operations more transparent. The mayor has made it clear that action will be taken against those who have illegally occupied the corporation's buildings and suggested they renew their contracts legally.
The brilliance of any governing body lies in implementing promises. Political and local narrow-mindedness should not hinder it. Announcements should be completed promptly. A system should be established to monitor this. It is better to keep aside and focus more on the development of the city. The ruling party and the opposition should be equally committed to this. People of Thiruvananthapuram voted for NDA expecting urban development and better living conditions. The promise should be kept.