BANGALORE : Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy has taken a ‘special interest’ to appoint a retired revenue officer as his advisor though the state government had told the BBMP not to do so earlier. S K Nataraj, who served as the first mayor after BJP came to power in BBMP, had sought the government’s approval to appoint N S Gundappa, a retired revenue officer of the BBMP, as his advisor. Though the government did not approve it, Gundappa worked as advisor unofficially. Meanwhile, the government had raised its objection to the appointment of Gundappa as the mayor’s advisor last year. Former Mayor Nataraj too confirms Gundappa served as advisor during his tenure.In a letter dated July 30, 2011, the then Under Secretary, Urban Development Department (BBMP) S Renukaradhya had mentioned that it is not a ‘good practice’ to appoint a retired government official as the mayor’s advisor. “This will be a burden on BBMP,” he had said. Renukaradhya had also mentioned that if such persons conduct any irregularity, they could not be punished as they would not come under the BBMP. Therefore, he said, the government did not consider the appointment of any retired official for the post. Instead, an expert who was an employee with BBMP could be appointed, the letter said.Now, mayor Murthy, in his note written on May 21 has stressed on the appointment of Gundappa as his advisor. In the note, he mentioned that Gundappa has served BBMP for 23 years. He also said that Gundappa may be appointed with a consolidated salary.When contacted, Murthy confirmed that he has written a letter to the Commissioner M K Shankarlinge Gowda. “I have just asked his suggestion. If the government raises objection, I will not appoint him,” he said. When asked him about the previous letter sent by Under Secretary, he said he is ‘not aware’ about it.
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