Bengaluru, June 18 (UNI) In a series of announcements aimed at improving civic amenities and asserting local economic priorities, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said the state government has directed the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) to open Nandini outlets at eight identified metro locations, following Amul's earlier application for retail space under the tender floated by Bangalore Metro.

Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar clarified that although Amul had initially applied to open outlets and later expanded its request to ten outlets, the BMRCL (Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd) tender process was open to all, and thus their presence could not be reversed.

"Since the tender was global in nature, it was open to any applicant. Two Amul outlets have already been opened. However, we have now instructed KMF to apply and take up eight additional locations to expand Nandini's reach," he said.

Shivakumar also revealed plans for a city-wide "Swachha Bengaluru" (Clean Bengaluru) drive. Citizens can now submit photos and addresses of garbage spots via a helpline, and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will respond with clean-up operations within a week. "We are treating this as a priority campaign," he added.

On property documentation, he announced the launch of a month-long "Khata Andolana" from July 1, targeting the distribution of digitised property records to residents. "A pilot project in the Krishna Byregowda constituency has prepared 25,000 Khatas. We aim to deliver property documents directly to the doors of all rightful owners," he said. Shivakumar urged property owners to upload required documents online or submit them during the upcoming campaign.

Shivakumar further called for early BBMP elections, citing the need for timely urban governance. "We must complete the electoral process within four months. I have already initiated talks with opposition leaders and am open to their suggestions," he noted.

Commenting on road infrastructure, Shivakumar said he had personally inspected several works in progress. "Some works are delayed due to rain, but we are monitoring quality and progress closely," he assured.

Additionally, the state is looking into revenue settlements within city limits, and a Cabinet decision has already been taken. "We are examining the legal aspects. Once resolved, we will make a major announcement regarding regularisation and account settlement," he said.

UNI BDN RN