OPPOSED TO allotment of funds to the aldermen (appointed corporators), a section of BJP corporators is learnt to have taken up the issue with senior party leaders. The allotment of funds to aldermen came about by making amendments in the budget proposals.
Interestingly, the BJP corporators had pressed for funds allotment to the aldermen during the meeting for the approval of Bhopal Municipal Corporation budget for 2006-07.
After the amendments, the aldermen were given a discretionary fund of Rs four lakh each and the elected corporator’s discretionary fund is Rs five lakh. Most corporators feel that since citizens elected them there should be some difference between the elected and appointed corporators as far as fund allotment is concerned.
Sources said, the party told the corporators about the decision to allot funds to aldermen should be given funds. So, the amendments in the proposals presented by Mayor Sunil Sood should be made.
Tacit in opposition, the corporators are now asking if it is a party proposal why the aldermen fund was not introduced in other municipal corporations. The BJP is ruling in several municipal corporations. BMC is the only municipal corporation in the State that was forced to introduce allotment of funds for the aldermen. The BJP enjoys a majority having 40 members in the 66-member BMC council.
The officials, however, said there is no provision of any fund, for corporators or the BMC chairman fund in the Municipal Corporation Act. In such a situation, there will be no problem with the aldermen’s fund. The officials said the discretionary fund is BMC money and will be spent as per the rules.
{{/usCountry}}The officials, however, said there is no provision of any fund, for corporators or the BMC chairman fund in the Municipal Corporation Act. In such a situation, there will be no problem with the aldermen’s fund. The officials said the discretionary fund is BMC money and will be spent as per the rules.
{{/usCountry}}According to rules, the municipal commissioner has powers to sanction works up to Rs 10 lakh. The Mayor and Mayor-in-Council have power to sanction works up to Rs 25 and Rs one crore. Works that involve an expenditure of over Rs one crore are sent to general council for its approval.