Severely cash-strapped EDMC finalises budget

The EDMC House today finalised budget of the civic body while highlighting its poor financial condition marked by dues running into over Rs 1,500 crore, owed to its employees and contractors.
The special session of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation concluded with finalisation of the revised budget estimates for financial year 2015-16 and budget estimates for year 2016-17.
In his budget speech, Leader of House in BJP-ruled EDMC Ram Niwas Dubey said, "There is a gap of Rs 600 crore in the revenue and expenditure, and dues in terms of salaries, arrears and payments to contractors totall around Rs 1,525."

Dubey accused Delhi government of trying to "weaken" the corporation by "withholding" funds accruing to it through recommendations of the 3rd Delhi Finance Commission and Municipal Reforms Funds.
He demanded that the Delhi government treat Rs 237 crore given to the municipal corporation as a "grant" and not as a loan. The loan was announced by the chief minister to enable the civic body pay salaries to its striking employees, who called off their stir today.
One of the salient features of the budget is provision of Councillors Area Development Fund on the lines of MP/MLA funds,

under which each councillor will be provided Rs 75 lakh for development works in his ward. An amount of Rs 48 crore has been provided for the purpose.

Besides, the councillors will also get Rs 5 lakh each from the budgetary provision of Rs 3.20 crore for sanitation related works in their area.
The budget also provided for a salary of Rs 25,000 per month besides Rs 10,000 wages for their computer operator and driver.
The House also sanctioned Rs 2 crore for controlling street dog menace through sterilisation, for the current year as well as the next financial year.