hdmc: UK-educated corporator uses social media to resolve plaints

HUBBALLI: They are yet to be sworn in, and the corporators elected to the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) are currently either enjoying the extended period of leisure or perhaps chalking out plans for when they formally assume charge. However, a 29-year-old first-time corporator has taken his plans a step further, by working within the limitations to improve HDMC Ward 48.

Kishan Belagavi, who obtained an MSc from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, following which he enrolled at a two-month course on business strategy and consultancy at the Imperial College’s Business School in London, is reaching out to the public via social media, and trying to solve their problems by calling on HDMC officials, and drawing their attention to the same. Eager to keep the local electorate informed about the work being undertaken in the ward. From filling up potholes to getting unscientific speedbreakers removed, Kishan has been doing what he can to ease the life of the people in his ward. Photographs of roads uploaded before and after being fixed are uploaded on Facebook and WhatsApp, helping both Kishan and the citizens keep track of the work.

Highlighting his lack of experience in public administration, Kishan suggested that an orientation programme would help political greenhorns such as himself understand the functioning of the bureaucracy. “We need to better understand how the HDMC functions, the number of departments in the civic body. I am currently studying the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (KMC) Act, to better acquaint myself with the law to help serve the people. I am also visiting the HDMC’s zonal office (zone five), and regularly meeting assistant commissioner Kembhavi. HDMC officials and staff have been very cooperative,” Kishan told TOI.
On his regular updates of his activities on social media, Kishan clarified that it was not a public relations exercise. “Since I am accountable to the public, I am keeping them informed as to what is being done. In fact, I did not post anything for a month after winning the HDMC polls,” he added.

Yet to be formally sworn in, Kishan cannot initiate work on new projects. However, he has been busy lending an ear to the residents’ woes about existing infrastructure, and unfailingly relaying them to HDMC officials. “HDMC commissioner Gopal Krishna also offered some guidance on what can be achieved under the present circumstances,” he said.

A co-founder of WeWia, a factory engaged in the making of furniture, Kishan divides his time equally between his public and professional roles.

Trustee of Adarsh PU Science College Prof BC Goudar is all praise for Kishan’s enterprise. “Kishan has been visiting all the colonies in the ward, and holding meetings. He has even opened an office to listen to residents’ grievances, and is working for our benefit. We are hopeful of the corporator turning our ward into a model for the rest of the twin cities,” Goudar said.