Delhi Demands Fair Share: 10,000 Crore for Civic Needs

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi, alongside Mayor Shelly Oberoi, has demanded a Rs 10,000 crore allocation from the Centre for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). They argue that despite being a high tax-paying state, Delhi does not receive its due share for city maintenance. They have officially appealed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Saturday called for a budgetary allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for the MCD from the Centre, alleging that the civic body does not receive its fair share in the budget.

In a joint press conference with Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, Atishi disclosed that Oberoi has formally written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Atishi asserted, "Delhi is one of the highest tax-paying states. Last year, we paid a total of Rs 2.32 lakh crore in taxes to the Central government. Despite this, Delhi remains the only state that does not receive its due allocation for city maintenance."

The Finance Minister demanded a five percent allocation from Delhi's tax contributions in the upcoming Central budget scheduled for presentation on July 23.

Atishi pointed out that while other states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar receive funds for their local bodies, Delhi is left without any support.

"If the Centre can allocate money for cleaning Mumbai, Patna, and Bhopal, why not for Delhi? The people of Delhi are merely asking for what is rightfully theirs," she emphasized.

Mayor Oberoi added that the MCD plans to use the allocated funds for city cleanliness, road maintenance, and park beautification.