The cash-strapped North and East Delhi Municipal Corporations have declared a “total war” against the Arvind Kejriwal-led Government for refusing to release funds meant for the three municipal bodies.
Following the rift, the NMC has decided to move court against the AAP Government and then go on hunger strike to demand immediate release of their share of funds. Meanwhile, EDMC announced a special House this week for the same reason.
“I have directed the Commissioner to prepare to go to court for release of our funds, which is our legitimate right. We are also planning to go on hunger strike in front of CM’s residence to fast-track the process,” said Mayor of North MCD Ravinder Gupta.
“The Delhi Government has deliberately stopped releasing funds to paralyse civic services. We had to stop salaries, pensions and councillors’ funds due to the financial deficit. A total of Rs250 crore, deposited in Provident Fund, has been spent to meet the expenses. If the sanitation system collapses and the staff go on strike due to non-payment of salaries, only the Delhi Government would be responsible,” Gupta added.
EDMC, too, announced to go to the court along with the NMC. “East corporation is running at a loss of nearly Rs1,000 crore every year. If the Government does not release money immediately, civic services will be badly hit,” said Harshdeep Malhotra, Mayor of EDMC.
Condemning indifferent attitude of the Delhi Government towards civic agencies, NMC Mayor said they have tried to reason with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in several meetings, but all efforts have been in vain.