ASSUMING OFFICE: Outgoing Commissioner of the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Jothiramalingam (left) handing over charge to new Commissioner K. Jairaj in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: The new Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) Commissioner K. Jairaj has stressed that "performance" and "delivering the goods" are the two key guidelines to ensure a clean, dynamic and responsive administration.

Mr. Jairaj, who took charge from K. Jothiramalingam on Friday, directed the officials to ensure that there were no rain-related problems this time.

The commissioner, who later held a marathon meeting with the heads of departments in the BMP and reviewed the progress of each department, directed the officials to ensure proper delivery of public services, especially basic amenities.

"The requirements of a growing city are many and it is the obligatory duty of the BMP to ensure that the daily civic needs of the citizens are met. The citizens expect high-class sanitation and the Health Department should live up to the citizens' expectations," he said.

He advised officials in the Engineering wing to expedite desilting and remodelling of drains and complete work before the onset of monsoon. "I want you all to ensure that there is no inundation in the city this monsoon," he said.

He asked the heads of departments to identify key issues that need to be addressed on priority. "Set up a proper plan on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to address these priorities. I will regularly monitor the progress of works and also evaluate your performance. I cannot compromise on quality and I want you all to remember this," he told the officials.

He directed the Horticulture Department to evolve a plan to retain greenery, develop more parks and give an aesthetic look to the city. Officials from the Education Department should ensure proper drinking water and toilet facilities in all schools, especially in girls high schools. The zonal heads and revenue officials should achieve targets in property tax collection, Mr Jairaj said. Earlier, in a brief interaction with presspersons, the commissioner said he had plans to build a `Suvarna Bangalore' in consultation with the elected representatives and his team of officials.

Mr Jairaj, who said he would try his best to match the people's aspirations with the available resources, pointed out: "Either our aspirations and demands should match the available resources or our revenue should be increased to match the demands. My job is to see how this can be done. I will work in coordination with the elected representatives," he said.

Asserting that he would continue with the "priorities" identified by Mr. Jothiramalingam, the new commissioner said: "I also have fresh ideas for the city. I will discuss them with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the BMP Council before announcing them."

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