To address such issues and create awareness among the masses on the budget figures, upcoming or on-going projects and and enable the masses to voice their opinions and greivances
Coimbatore: "How many of us really know the figures of the budget proposed by the city Corporation every year or at least for 2017?" questioned Saravanan Chandrasekar who convened the budget discussion session this evening.
Though we have piles of complaints and disapprovals on the city corporation but are we aware of the ward number and the zone we belong to? Or at least do we know the amount that has been spent in the public park in our area?
To address such issues and create awareness among the masses on the budget figures, upcoming or on-going projects and and enable the masses to voice their opinions and greivances, a group of like-minded citizens joined hands to build a forum called 'Namathu Kovai'.
Though the forum was formed in 2017 the first discussion meet was held on March 10 at 641 cafe, Saibaba Colony.
"While the City Corporation has allotted 15 crores towards restoration of all eight water bodies in the city, why is it still the NGOs have to break their heads to pool in resources to revamp and maintain the water bodies?" questioned Arun Pandian, an active member of the forum.
Seconding his thought, participants also cited the cases where CSR funds are also been used for such purposes. "In that case what happens to the funds allotted by the Corporation, will it be carried as surplus in the upcoming budget?" they quizzed.
Yet another participant pointed out that funds allotted to build parks in many wards have not been utilised to the fullest.
"An amount varying anywhere between 10 to 80 lakhs has been proposed for construction or renovating exsisting parks, however the infrastructural facilities or the size of the park doesn't match with the proposed budget. Apart from a new play area and walking tracks, there is nothing much to spend" he opined.
Sharing his view points, Ashok Srinithi from PMK party said "Soon this forum should transform into a knowledge-based people's movement to create a meaningful impact. Jallikattu is a fine example to show what people's movement would accomplish".
He also cited on the commendable work done by 'Arappor', a people's political movement formed in Chennai. Mr. Ashok stressed that awareness on figures and facts is very crucial to raise voice.
Namathu Kovai team plans to meet up shortly after the actual budget presentation of Corporation for the year 2018-19 which is expected to take place by March 15. Those interested in taking part in upcoming discussion sessions can follow their Facebook page 'Namathu Kovai'.