Delhi's Opposition Leader Criticizes Government Over MCD Funding Issues

Opposition leader Raja Iqbal Singh has criticized Delhi's Finance Minister Atishi and Mayor Dr. Shelly Oberoi for demanding special federal funds for the MCD while allegedly withholding constitutional funds. Singh highlighted a significant financial shortfall and demanded immediate action from the Delhi government.

The leader of opposition in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Raja Iqbal Singh, expressed astonishment at Delhi's Finance Minister Atishi and Mayor Dr. Shelly Oberoi's request for special funds from the Center. This comes as the Delhi government continues to purportedly deprive the civic body of its rightful funds.

On Saturday, Mayor Oberoi urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to allocate Rs 10,000 crores to the MCD for the city's upkeep. Singh pointed out that MCD's funding should follow the 7th Delhi Finance Commission's (DFC) recommendations, but is still based on the 5th DFC from 2016-17.

Singh alleged that the Delhi government owes MCD over Rs 20,000 crores in arrears from the 4th DFC since 2015-16, a situation exacerbated by political bias. He demanded the immediate constitution of the 6th DFC and the release of substantial arrears, claiming essential services have been critically impacted.

(With inputs from agencies.)