In a first-of-its-kind decision, Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner Shubha B has ordered a fine of ₹5,000 on officials for failing to resolve 30 pending applications within the stipulated time. Deputy Commissioner of Administration Udayakumar Talwar has been tasked with implementing the penalties, leaving concerned municipal officials uneasy.
Of the pending applications, 25 relate to trade licenses, with the remainder involving account changes, building permits, water tap connections, and underground sewer connections. The state government requires these applications to be resolved within deadlines set by the Sakala initiative, a system designed to ensure timely service delivery.
After a report from the municipal administration department highlighted the backlog, Commissioner Shubha B took strong punitive action. Health Officer, Town Planning Officer, and Deputy Commissioner of Revenue are among the officials impacted. Each will face a penalty of ₹5,000 for their lapses.
Under the Sakala framework, local self-government bodies are mandated to resolve citizen applications within a fixed time and regularly update progress. Monthly review meetings led by the District Collector evaluate compliance. Despite these measures, the backlog persisted, prompting the municipal administration to escalate the issue to the commissioner.
This unprecedented move signals a strict stance on accountability and is expected to expedite the clearance of pending applications.