Indian Express 28.01.2010
Civic body seeks hike in penalty amount
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is contemplating to increase the penalty amount under various sections of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act (DMC).
The cash-strapped civic body believes the amount — it has not been reviewed since 1957 when the Act came into being — is too low.
A proposal to this effect was drafted in 2005 but rejected by the Delhi government in 2008. The MCD was to be given Rs 100 crore per annum in lieu of the consequent loss of income — the Corporation will now write to the government asking for the sum.
In a budget review presentation on Wednesday, MCD Standing Committee chairperson R K Singhal told the House that though the Delhi Finance Commission recommended the civic body be given Rs 100 crore, the Delhi government failed to release the amount.
The Corporation members said a review of the fine amount will also dissuade people from breaking rules. “People in Delhi often litter or spit in public places. The maximum fine for any such offence under the DMC Act is just Rs 50. The meagre amount fails to discourage offenders from breaking rules,” Singhal said.
“If the Delhi government thinks it fit not to increase the fine, it should at least release the recommended amount. The money will be used by the MCD to provide additional and improved civic facilities to the people,” he said.
