Sir,

Former Chairman of the City Improvement Trust Board (CITB), D. Madegowda, is widely respected for his impeccable record of honesty and integrity. During his tenure, the allotment of sites and houses was conducted in an orderly and transparent manner, free from any taint of corruption.

As noted in the news item titled “Just name change won’t help unless officials change mindset” (Star of Mysore dated May 17), CITB earned the genuine trust of citizens — applicants received sites without unnecessary hurdles or harassment.

However, after the name was changed to Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the system gradually deteriorated. MUDA soon became synonymous with corruption, delays, harassment and in many cases, the same site being allotted to multiple individuals.

Now, the name has been changed once again — from MUDA to Mysuru Development Authority (MDA). The word ‘Trust’ has been replaced by ‘Authority,’ and with it, the very sentiment that once inspired public confidence seems to have vanished.

As rightly pointed out by D. Madegowda, genuine reform can only come through a fundamental change in mindset and administrative approach. The question that remains is: Will those in power heed his words of wisdom and strive to restore the trust that has long been lost in the eyes of Mysuru’s citizens?

— H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 18.5.2025

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to [email protected]