Give funds to municipal bodies: Gupta to L-G

NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta has complained to lieutenant-governor (L-G) Anil Baijal regarding “non allocation” of funds by the AAP government to BJP-ruled civic bodies for urban development and transport.

In a letter to the Mr Baijal, Mr Gupta alleged that the government was “crippling” the civic bodies financially due to political reasons. He alleged that the government has not allocated funds to the three civic bodies for urban development and transport, in fiscal 2018-19.

Mr Gupta urged the L-G to direct the Delhi government to allocate funds to the civic bodies so that they can provide civic services to Delhiites. “The AAP government is using the Budget as a weapon to seek revenge on the three civic bodies, after its party’s defeat in the civic body elections last year,” he alleged.

The East, North and South Delhi civic corporations were allocated a total of `1,154 for urban development in the 2017-18 Budget, but no funds have been given to them in this year’s Budget, Mr Gupta claimed, adding the municipal corporations won’t be able to take up any developmental works.