AAP, BJP spar over salary, pension delays in Delhi’s civic bodies

AP Khan, the convener of the confederation of MCD employees’ unions, said that the problem of non-payment of salary, pensions and other dues is growing by the day even as political parties engage in blame game instead of finding a solution

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday blamed corruption in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led municipal corporations behind their financial crisis which has led to delays in disbursement of salaries and pensions to employees.

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said the municipal corporations have a crucial role to play in efforts being made by the government machinery in Delhi for prevention of dengue, controlling pollution and the Covid pandemic. (HT Photo)

The BJP, in turn, has stated that the AAP-led Delhi government is with holding municipal funds.

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said that the confederation of MCD employees’ unions have threatened the BJP-led MCDs that they will go on a strike if they do not get their salary and pension dues in three days. “If the MCD makes BJP leaders pay up for the hoardings they have put for free, then the salary and pension dues can be given to all the employees. The Delhi government has paid every penny due to the MCD,” he said.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that the workers know the salary delay is due to the Delhi government withholding funds. “If AAP leaders have any seriousness, they should ask the Delhi government to release municipal funds...which add up to around ₹13,000 crore,” Kapoor said.