Wanted: More community halls in south B'lore

Sri Y.N. Ashok Kumar, City General Secretary, JD(S) spoke to TWB about some of the issues affecting the common man that can be easily solved by the government if only it shows the necessary will and resolve:

• Wanted, more community halls: Bangalore has over 100 wards, but only very few wards boast of a community hall in their midst. Especially in areas like south Jayanagar, JP Nagar, BTM, Banashankari, the Corporation should give serious thought to construct community halls, as there is a dire need felt. The marriage choultries available charge a high rent ranging between Rs 20,000-30,000/- per day which is simply beyond the common man's capacity. Thus there's a case for more community halls especially in these areas. This will also help the corporation to raise good revenues which can be used for other development works.

• Many public sector/government offices like the BSNL, Bescom, Post Office, Telegraph office, etc are housed in rental buildings that are on the first or second floor. This causes grave convenience to the senior citizens who have to climb the stairs. Some of the offices are situated in low-lying areas which get flooded during rains. The authorities should seriously consider shifting these offices to the ground floor/other suitable place so that the senior citizens and the disabled are not put to any inconvenience. There are a number of unwanted and unused small parks in the city which can be used for housing such public utility offices.

Clearly, there is more to it than meets the eye. Unless the government comes clean on this issue, it will shake the confidence of the students fraternity.