Delhi govt to form committee to probe MCD's financial status

The Delhi Assembly today adopted a resolution directing the AAP government to constitute a fact-finding committee to probe the financial condition of 'cash-strapped' civic bodies of EDMC and NDMC.
The move comes against the backdrop of the AAP government accusing the BJP-led municipal corporations of being the "den of corruption" over the frequent strikes by sanitation workers of EDMC and NDMC.
The committee will be headed by the Director of Local Bodies. It will submit its report before the commencement of Budget session, which is expected to be held in the first week of March.
The resolution, moved by AAP MLA Sourabh Bhardwaj, stated that Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has "failed" to pay the salaries of its employees despite having received enhanced funds from the government, and that the residents have a right to know how the civic bodies were utilising their funds.

"This House directs the Delhi government to take all possible steps to look into the finances of the MCDs in accordance with the provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.
"It also directs the Government of Delhi to ask the Municipal Corporations to inform the steps being taken to improve the latter's financial condition," the resolution stated.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the BJP-led civic bodies had financially "failed" and were "instigating" their employees against the AAP government ahead of the municipal polls.
He said despite the Delhi government giving enhanced funds in comparison to the previous dispensation, the BJP-led municipal corporations were demanding more grants.

Once the Aam Aadmi Party comes to power in all three civic bodies, it will ensure salaries of sanitation workers on time, Sisodia added.