As many as 75 individuals are likely to get the Kempegowda awards instituted by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on the occasion of Kempegowda Jayanti on Saturday. During former mayor Sharadamma’s tenure, the number had been limited to 50.
This year, though Kempegowda Jayanti was scheduled to be celebrated in April, during Bangalore Karaga, it was cancelled due to the election code of conduct being in force.
However, two weeks ago, the BBMP decided to celebrate the day on June 28 and June 29. On Friday, around 100 BBMP employees who have excelled will be felicitated and given the Kempegowda awards. Speaking to Express’, a BJP councillor who did not wish to be named, said that as on Friday, they have made a list of 75 individuals for the awards. “This year, the number has increased as a new set of MLAs have been elected. There is pressure from elected representatives, including ministers, MLAs and councillors,” said the councillor. “Initially we wanted to give it to 35 people but the list increased gradually. We are trying to reduce it,” the councillor added.
The BJP councillor said the cash component for the award was fixed at Rs 15,000. “We earlier decided to give Rs 25,000 per individual. But since the number increased, and with our limited resources, we have to manage with the available funds and therefore, the cash component was reduced,” the councillor said.