MLAs demand hike, CM says utilise unused funds first

Even as a number of MLAs have been demanding a hike in the MLA Local Area Development (MLALD) funds, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday said a number of them have still not utilised those funds. HT reports. Demands and suggestions

Even as a number of MLAs have been demanding a hike in the MLA Local Area Development (MLALD) funds, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday said a number of them have still not utilised those funds.

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Replying to the debate in the House, Dikshit said that close to Rs. 320 crore were still lying unutilised by the MLAs. Of this, projects worth Rs. 258 crore are yet to be sanctioned by the three civic agencies while those worth Rs. 62 crore have not been sanctioned by the urban development department.

A group of MLAs was to table a resolution in the House, asking for a hike in the funds of the Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rs. 4 crore to Rs. 6-8 crore, citing the rising cost of building material and that of labour.

However, Dikshit said that MLAs should spend the unutilised funds first before asking for an enhancement, thereby indicating that such a hike was unlikely.

"All those who need funds will be provided for adequately, but first money that has already been allocated should be spent," said Dikshit.

Coming down heavily on the BJP-led municipal corporations, Dikshit said the budget passed by the assembly was a zero-liability budget and will go a long way in meeting the present-day requirements of the people of Delhi.

"The civic agencies are our biggest liability. We have done our work of giving three corporations to the city. We will also provide them Rs. 18,000 crore, but still we have not imposed any taxes on the people. But even after this, the corporations are not ready to help us," said Dikshit.