The Indian Express 01.08.2012
House proposes to hike ward fund from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 1 crore
The General House of the Municipal Corporation on Tuesday approved the agenda for increasing the upper limit of the ward development fund at the disposal of the councillors. It has been proposed that the fund be increased from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The recommendations of a committee that had been set up for the purpose were presented in the House.
The proposal to give ward development fund to nominated councillors led to a debate, with the BJP councillors opposing the agenda while the Congress supporting it. Interestingly, the Congress councillors had opposed a similar agenda last year.
It has also been recommended that the scope of allocation of ward development fund be increased. The nominated councillors have been demanding ward development fund in the previous terms as well so that they can allocate this in any ward in the city. The UT administration would have the final word on the issue.
An amount of Rs 35.42 lakh was approved as the comprehensive maintenance contract for the road sweeping machines. The officials presented a report in the House giving a comparison between the expenditure incurred when the road cleaning was done through machines and if sweepers were hired.
The members approved laying of paver blocks at some places in the city. Estimates for renovation of Fire Station in Sector 32 and special repair of dispensary in Sector 20 were approved. The existing community centres would be upgraded.
The area near General Post Office, Sector 17, would be revamped with an estimate of Rs 3.07 crore. The area would get a greenbelt and a children’s corner is likely to be created. The House has decided to hire a consultant for setting up an automatic poultry processing plant.
Sidelights
The House meeting on Tuesday was one of the longest in duration amongst the meetings held in the previous years. Starting at 11 am, it continued till a little later than 9.30 pm.
As the meeting started, two-minute silence was observed to mourn the death of residents of Mauli Jagran due to diarrhoea.
Councillor Subhash Chawla, after being interrupted by councillors of the Opposition as he was speaking, asked Mayor Raj Bala Malik if she was not able to protect his right to speak, he would not attend the meetings of the House for the next four months.
During the heated discussion on diarrhoea deaths and dirty water supply, the councillors stated that the officers should be asked to drink the same water.
