The much hyped ‘Sakala’ services introduced by the state government in April this year, have received a cold response from residents of the city. This came to light during an interaction with members of various resident welfare associations of Bengaluru on Tuesday when it was disclosed that people in Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike(BBMP) limits have not been utilising Sakala for obtaining plan approvals and khatas.
Law and parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Kumar who was present at the meeting, told BBMP officials that in the last two months, only 50 odd applications have been received seeking plan approval for residential buildings. While construction is going on in full swing, people have not obtained plan approvals by availing Sakala services. “This is something BBMP officials should look into”, Mr Kumar said.
Except for three queries related to Sakala services, members of resident welfare associations have posed questions on property tax and khata issue. The minister said the government is planning to introduce an online application system for Sakala services from next month. The services will be improved by making the general public and officials aware about how the system works. The government is also planning to bring social security pension schemes under Sakala. Members of resident welfare associations urged the government to make Sakala more user-friendly. A few members said that helpline numbers be increased and more services be brought under Sakala.