In a candid interview with Ankita Sharma, South Delhi Municipal Corporation leader of the House Subhash Arya speaks on a range of issues. Excerpts:
Why is there now a tussle between the Municipal Corporations and the Delhi Government ever since the Government released funds last timeIJ
It has become the habit of the Government to create problems in releasing funds. The Government by neglecting the recommendations of the last Finance Commission is not releasing global share to the Municipal Corporations. Therefore we are facing problems. The Government needs to release those funds.
According to you, what is the main reason behind the financial goof up in the Municipal CorporationsIJ
Trifurcation is the root of all the problems. The resources in unified Municipal Corporation were equally divided among the entire local bodies without reference to geographical areas. East Delhi Municipal Corporation has more unauthoritsed colonies as opposed to South Delhi Municipal Corporation which has more farmhouses and regularises areas, therefore there is a huge difference in the revenue of both the Municipal Corporations.
How are the corporations planning to come out of the financial messIJ
We have identified vacant plots and lands that we can put to use to make parkings and for other commercial purpose. We are coming with many other plans and projects.