Bengaluru: The traders of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) markets are an upset lot as the latter’s decision to develop 11 markets through joint venture has not gone down well with them.
The traders point out that the BBMP is to blame for the poor condition of the city’s markets. Mohammed Idrees Choudhury, joint secretary of BBMP Shopkeepers’ Association, told The Hindu that very few markets in the city are properly maintained by BBMP.
“BBMP has defended its decision to develop the markets citing possible increase in revenue. However, what has prevented the civic body from revising the rent? Rent was revised way back in 1983,” he pointed out.
Mr. Choudhury said the BBMP’s move will affect thousands of people who are directly and indirectly dependent on the markets for their livelihood. “Markets are public facilities. The common man needs markets more than malls and commercial complexes, which cater only to the rich,” he said.
He added that BBMP should have discussed the issues pertaining to markets with the traders and unions before taking such a decision. Traders would be willing to pay more rent to BBMP if the latter maintains the markets efficiently.
