NDMC mayor writes to L-G, seeks release of funds

Mayor of cash-strapped North Delhi Municipal Corporation Adesh Gupta has written to the Lt Governor seeking release of funds due to the civic body as per the recommendations of the fourth Delhi Finance Commission (DFC), the NDMC today said.

The mayor, in a statement, also alleged that funds due as per the third DFC have also "not been released fully".

"The North Delhi Mayor in a letter to Lt Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal has sought release of funds due to the NDMC as per recommendations of the fourth Delhi Finance Commission which amounts to Rs 1,493.51 crore," the statement said.

The shortfall is affecting the functioning of the corporation which in turn affects the well-being of citizens, he said.

Gupta said monsoon is approaching and de-silting of drains and preventive measures against vector-borne diseases -- dengue, chikungunya -- are of utmost importance, but lack of funds is creating a major financial constraint.

The mayor requested the L-G that directions be issued to the Delhi government at the earliest for release of funds.

Gupta claimed that he had sought time to discuss these issues with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, "but so far no response has been received from his office".