FGG comes up with a series of suggestion to increase the urban voting percentage
Hyderabad: Raising concerns over the low turnout polling in urban areas, Forum for Good Governance(FGG), a Hyderabad based think tank came up with a series of suggestions to encourage voters to vote and inturn increase the polling percentage in the upcoming parliamentary elections of Telangana state. The suggestions included reducing one rupee per liter petrol and incentives to people on the final bill in commercial establishments after showing the proof of voting. FGG urged the Chief electoral officer, Vikas Raj, Telangana state to contemplate over the suggestions.
Despite the efforts of the election commission there is a drastic difference in polling percentage when compared in Rural and urban areas. In the rural areas the poll percentage stood as high as 90% but in urban areas, especially in Hyderabad and Secunderabad constituencies the polling is around 50% which gives an abysmal picture of elections.
Appreciating the commendable efforts of the Commission to improve the poll percentage FGG came up with a series of suggestions to improve the poll percentage.
Expressing concern over misusing of holiday declared on May 13 in views of elections M. Padmanabha Reddy, President, Forum for Good Governance(FGG), said, “As May 13 which is followed by the weekend, there is a great possibility of employees especially working in I.T. sector misusing these holidays by going for a vacation on these three days.”
The paid holiday on 13th May is for a specific purpose as such a conditional holiday. A person (employee) who goes to vote should get holiday, if he abstains from voting the holiday should be treated as absence from work, suggested Reddy.
Further he added that the same has to be communicated and implemented properly by the respective management. “For this message to percolate, all the managements should issue a circular that on 14th of May when the employees come to work he should show the mark on his finger as a proof of he voted, otherwise the paid holiday will be converted into absence from duty resulting in loss of pay,” said statement released by FGG.
Reduce petrol price and give incentives for those who vote
Forum for Good Governance(FGG) further suggested “reducing Rs. One per liter of petrol or diesel on showing the mark of voting. Thirdly, some incentive to people on the final bill after showing the proof of voting (mark on finger) should be given by management of Malls, eateries, cinema halls, wine shops and others. Both these offers should be limited for two following days- 14th and 15th May”.
Likewise, FGG requested the Chief Electoral Officer to make an appeal to managements of I.T., Pharma and other Industries and management of commercial establishments to advise their employees.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
