MLAs unite against MCD division

By Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI, JUNE 12.

They might not agree on political or ideological issues but they share a common ground on one thing -- splitting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Councillors from both the BJP and Congress(I) have reached an ``unwritten'' understanding to oppose the splitting of the MCD as it would clip their wings and reduce their areas of influence.

The reaction of the Congress councillors at the meeting called by the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee(I) here on Sunday, where majority of them opposed the unbundling of the MCD, indicated clearly that they were against to the exercise as it would curtail their powers and work against the vested interests developed over the past five years. In fact, the Councillors have shown no respect for the sentiments of the people and have instead gone all out to protect their own interests.

Interestingly, both the BJP and Congress(I) councillors are of the firm opinion that splitting of the MCD would not serve any purpose, but would, in turn, create complications in the functioning of the set up. They are against the recommendations of the Virendra Prakash Committee which, they felt, would empower the bureaucracy and reduce their role and that of the Mayor to a large extent.

The real issue is not whether the new civic bodies would not be viable financially or administratively. But what is bothering the Councillors -- whose term comes to an end in another six months time -- is that many of them would not get the opportunity to contest elections from the same seat due to the rotational nature of seats in Delhi. ``These people have not worked hard in the constituencies and know well that people will outright reject them. Similarly, their areas of influence and the scope for manipulations would be reduced considerably by the splitting of MCD. This is the main reason why they are opposing it,'' remarked a senior official.

It is not a closely guarded secret that the Councillors are hand in glove with officials of MCD which has resulted in massive violations of building by-laws and led to mushrooming of unauthorised constructions and encroachments. ``The fact is that many Councillors receive ``hafta'' or monthly installments from MCD officials as share of the booty secured through illegal means. In the new set-up, it will be the smaller bodies which will become powerful. The officials will be made more accountable as they would be only incharge of reduced areas. This would confine the generation of illegal money in fewer hands and that is why the Councillors have joined hands to protect their sources of illegal revenue.''

The Councillors have expressed concern that the proposed Board for municipal bodies, to be chaired by the Minister of Urban Development, and consisting of Mayors of all local bodies as members and the State level Coordination Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, with Commissioner and Chief Executive of all bodies as Members would mean imposition of two super bodies to dominate the new creations.

But what the Councillors tend to forget is that this is only a proposal which is open for debate, and could be subject to further improvement. The unanimity among them to stay away from a dialogue on the issue is an indication of their reluctance to do away with the set-up which is not only inefficient but also full of corruption and has failed to solve the problems faced by the people. ``These people have to rise above petty politics and work for the welfare of the people. Those who oppose such a move would not be forgiven and will be wiped out, be it an individual or a party,'' remarked a senior leader.

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