In an important move, the proposal related to the councillor’s fund was passed in course of the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) board meeting on Thursday. From now onwards, Rs 15 lakh would be given to every councilor to be spent on doing small-scale development works in his or her ward. For the first time, such a scheme was proposed and was passed with the approval of the board.
Announcing, the mayor Sunil Uniyal ‘Gama’ stated that the councillor from each ward would be given around Rs 15 lakh for small- scale development work in his or her ward per year. It is learnt that initially, the proposal as forwarded by the mayor was of providing Rs 10 lakh per year to every councillor. Later, in response to most of the councillors’ demand, the amount was raised to Rs 15 lakh.
As per the scheme, every councillor would be provided with the amount for sanctioning small-scale development works like construction of small roads and drains from the councillors’ fund. However, prior to this, every councillor would have to take permission from the mayor, municipal commissioner and municipal engineer.
Some councilors, however, expressed their reservation over the amount to be provided to them while citing it as a paltry one. They also said that the area varying from ward to ward, the larger ones require more funds than the smaller ones. Besides, they demanded a proper process for the disbursal of the allotted fund.
Some councillors present at the board meeting also stated that some amount should be given to them to meet their expenses. Former mayor and MLA Vinod Chamoli who was present at the meeting said that the same is being followed in another state.
The mayor agreed and stated that something regarding the matter would be done soon.