The Times of India 29.09.2009
JNNURM: Funds okayed Rs 273 cr, received Rs 128 cr
PUNE: Out of the Rs 273 crores of the state government's share towards the Pune Municipal Corporation's JNNURM projects, it has sent only Rs 128 crores, keeping the civic body waiting for the remaining instalments.
This information was sought by civic activist Vivek Velankar through the Right to Information Act (RTI). He stated that on the eve of the assembly election, it is essential to ask why are funds meant for Pune's development are being held up by the state government.
Circulating copies of the information sought from the PMC, Velankar pointed out that the PMC had sought Rs 644 crores from the Central government and Rs 273 crores from the state government for the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) projects.
"From April 2006 to September 15, 2009, the PMC has spent approximately Rs 1,000 crores for various projects in the city. According to the JNNURM formula, the projects are funded by the centre upto 50 per cent, upto 20 per cent by the state and the remaining has to be borne by the local body. Accordingly, the PMC sought the shares from the centre and state respectively. While the centre has diligently released its share of Rs 606 crores, the state has held up more than half the amount due," Velankar said.
He explained that although the state government has made provision for Pune's JNNURM share in its budget, the amount has not been released and no reason has been stated either.
"Now with assembly elections nearing, the citizens' questions must be answered; why are the funds being held up. All the political parties are answerable to us and we will raise these questions the citizens' vote on October 13. We want to ask the sitting MLAs, contesting once again, about what efforts have they taken or will take in future to ensure that Pune gets its due amount," Velankar said.
He added that Punekars pay at least Rs 3,500 per annum in the form of taxes to the state government, so the amount that they are suppose to disburse for Pune is measly as compared to that.
This information was sought by civic activist Vivek Velankar through the Right to Information Act (RTI). He stated that on the eve of the assembly election, it is essential to ask why are funds meant for Pune's development are being held up by the state government.
Circulating copies of the information sought from the PMC, Velankar pointed out that the PMC had sought Rs 644 crores from the Central government and Rs 273 crores from the state government for the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) projects.
"From April 2006 to September 15, 2009, the PMC has spent approximately Rs 1,000 crores for various projects in the city. According to the JNNURM formula, the projects are funded by the centre upto 50 per cent, upto 20 per cent by the state and the remaining has to be borne by the local body. Accordingly, the PMC sought the shares from the centre and state respectively. While the centre has diligently released its share of Rs 606 crores, the state has held up more than half the amount due," Velankar said.
He explained that although the state government has made provision for Pune's JNNURM share in its budget, the amount has not been released and no reason has been stated either.
"Now with assembly elections nearing, the citizens' questions must be answered; why are the funds being held up. All the political parties are answerable to us and we will raise these questions the citizens' vote on October 13. We want to ask the sitting MLAs, contesting once again, about what efforts have they taken or will take in future to ensure that Pune gets its due amount," Velankar said.
He added that Punekars pay at least Rs 3,500 per annum in the form of taxes to the state government, so the amount that they are suppose to disburse for Pune is measly as compared to that.
