NDMC proposes buying of names for public places, properties

The North Corporation today proposed that any person or institution can buy name tags of a public place or property in return for its maintenance, an idea that was "vehemently rejected" by the Opposition.
North Delhi Municipal Corporation Commissioner Praveen Gupta made the proposal in the NDMC's Budget.
"We realised that apart from places and properties being named after historic and eminent people, common people could also get a park, street, school, community centre, hospitals named as per their choice to bring in extra revenues.
"It is like people paying extra to get a VIP car number. And the earning could be used in maintaining such properties," he said.

Congress councillor and Leader of Opposition Mukesh Goel said the move was "inappropriate" and "illogical".
"How can the commissioner suggest a 'VIP car number-like system' for public properties? The comparison is absurd and illogical. And, we as an Opposition vehemently oppose the move," he said.

Chairman of NDMC's Standing Committee, Mohan Bhardwaj said, "There is a procedure in getting a place or property named. And, the merit of the proposal would be analysed and examined on social and moral grounds by the Naming Committee before giving any approval," Bhardwaj told PTI.
According to the municipal rule, the proposal is first examined on a zonal-level by its ward committee and then it comes under the Naming Committee, headed by the Mayor.

The Standing Committee then tables it in its meet and the final approval is given by the municipal House.
"So, it is not that, we are allowing anybody to name anything after anybody. There is a due process. Just because, someone can pay for naming, doesn't mean that we will allow it," he said.
The Budget proposal today said that "The Naming Committee invariably finds itself politically and morally on wrong foot on recommend a name after which a street or park is to be named.
"The role of the Naming Committee should be to examine the the moral and social aspects of the proposed name. This would do away any controversy and ease the burden of Corporation in upkeep of such municipal assets.