Karnataka's Urban Development Minister, BS Suresha (Byrathi), has initiated a detailed investigation into ₹5,527 crore worth of projects executed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship Smart Cities Mission in six cities of the state.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work in Belagavi, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Tumakuru. To ensure accountability, Suresha announced the formation of a committee comprising experts from universities and the Indian Institute of Science. The committee will assess the projects and submit its findings within three months.
Bengaluru, however, is excluded from the probe as it falls under the jurisdiction of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to enhance urban infrastructure across 100 cities in India, funded jointly by the central and state governments. Karnataka has spent ₹6,405 crore under this mission, including ₹877.72 crore in Bengaluru.
"Most of the funds have been allocated to roads, drainage, and park maintenance," Suresha lamented in a statement. "The focus should have been on creating permanent infrastructure such as smart schools, hospitals, libraries, and bus stands."
Suresha pointed out that, on average, each Smart City in Karnataka received ₹990 crore, with spending patterns revealing 36% on roads, 8% on energy, 2% on education, 2% on healthcare, and 5% on sports. He criticized this distribution, emphasizing that projects under the mission should have developed long-lasting government assets instead of temporary solutions like roads and drains.
With the mission slated to conclude in March 2025, Suresha urged the remaining funds to be directed towards constructing world-class smart schools. "This will enable children from economically weaker sections to access quality education," he said.
The minister also revealed that he had received multiple complaints from elected representatives about substandard work, particularly in Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Shivamogga. The probe, he assured, will prioritize transparency and accountability.
Comments
Kumar!! Shut up!! Don't blame his parents, and exactly nobody know what took place there..
Rider must have controlled the bike... So it depends on rider, how he rides..., imagine how hurted parents are? Instead blaming them...
And think twice before you type sh*t
Dear Mr. Kumar, your comment reflects your immaturity, lack of understanding of the situation and although I'm sure your intentions were at the right place. I would like to tell you that the deceased and both the parents were not fools. Only you seem like a fool here for that insensitive comment. I hope no harm comes to you and ur loved ones and you are not called a fool for it. I wish you a safe life. Also, I hope you did pray for the departed soul.
Dear Mr Kumar, your comment shows your lack of understanding of the situation. Also the parents were not at fault here. Since you didn't know the person and since the full situation is not given.. I would suggest you would shut up before passing blame or using such words about the deceased person. The person and parents were both not fools. The only fool I see here is you. I suggest you stay safe though. And no harm comes to you. And people not call you a fool after such a tragic incident. Also thank you Mr./mrs.shaji for showing maturity and decency.
Dear Kumar, we cant blame parents. sometimes, they are helpless agaisnt the hard will of their kids. Some boys even say to their parents that they will discontinue study in case their demand is not met. May God bless kids with correct way of life.
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