Delhi govt, civic bodies lock horns over funding

Regularisation of unauthorised colonies in the city has hit a new hurdle with the municipal corporations and the Delhi government unable to reach a consensus about the funding.

Regularisation of unauthorised colonies in the city has hit a new hurdle with the municipal corporations and the Delhi government unable to reach a consensus about the funding.

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The corporations have said that since the Delhi government has hired three agencies -Jamila Millia University, IP University and School of Planning and Architecture -- for the layout plan, it should also bear the complete cost, amounting to Rs 200 crore.

The Delhi government, however, wants the corporations to shell out the money first and then submit the bills to them.

"If the Delhi government is willing to pay for the layout plans, it should deal with the agencies directly. They want us to pay first but we don't have that kind of money. Also, what if we make the payment first and then have to wait for years to get the payment from Delhi government," said Subhash Arya, leader of the House, South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

According to Rajesh Gehlot, south Delhi standing committee chairperson, the Delhi government has not sanctioned any funds yet.

In all three corporations, work on layout plans has stalled. "The lieutenant governor had assured us that the cost of preparing the layout plans will be paid by the Delhi government. But in spite of reminders, we have not received anything," said Gehlot.

The east and north municipal corporations had earlier started the process of regularisation by taking up five unauthorised colonies each.

"We have requested the commissioner to take up the matter because the corporations are already cash-strapped.

The government must keep its part of the bargain in regularising the colonies," said Mahek Singh, chairman, standing committee, East Delhi Municipal Corporation.