New cell to ensure city public works stick to deadline

To ensure quality and timely implementation of public works, the city administration is all set to open a unique cell, to be called Projects Implementation Unit (PIU), that shall ensure developmental works and utility services across the city keep to set standards.

New cell to ensure city public works stick to deadline

To ensureu00a0quality and timely implementation of public works, the city administration is all set to open a unique cell, to be called Projects Implementation Unit (PIU), that shall ensure developmental works and utility services across the city keep to set standards.

The new unit will primarily plan and execute works funded by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), said sources.

"BBMP is planning to start the new cell to ensure timely completion of public works, especially JNNURM-funded works," said a Brihana Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) source. "The process has begun and the unit will be functional shortly."
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The first-of-its-kind cell comes as a solution to ending long delays in public works and inconsistency in utility services provide by BBMP.

The cell will look after eight categories of works. Some of these categories will be IT, finance, public health, and urban planning.u00a0 To consist of eight experts for the eight categories, the cell will plan and execute projects.

"We have started this process under provisions available for JNNURM works," said M Maheshwar Rao, special commissioner, BBMP. "This is to ensure quality service."

The cell will also monitor the quality of works, besides planning them.

The BBMP has prepared a Rs 800 crore plan for various projects in the city.

Not everyone happyu00a0u00a0
Experts have, however, called the move to set up the PIU a knee-jerk reaction by officials to deflect criticism of their inconsistent performance.u00a0

"BBMP officials are planning such units as a knee-jerk reaction to save themselves from criticism. Such units can be helpful if and only if their members are independent," said M N Shrihari, a traffic and transport expert.