Help needed to tide over slowdown
As a result of the economic downturn and a slump in the real estate industry, the MCD is facing losses in revenue from transfer duties. The MCD collects revenues worth Rs 40-45 crore every month from transfer duties, but since November that has come down to Rs 24 crore.

“The MCD has also been facing losses on funds received from the Delhi government. It is the government’s duty to see that the MCD functions smoothly. We want the government to increase the Municipal Reform Funds from 9 to 10.5 per cent and help the MCD tide over the crises,” said Chairman of the MCD Standing Committee Vijendra Gupta.

Municipal employee benefits
The new budget has good news in store for municipal employees. Not only has the MCD implemented the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations, but has also made amendments in the existing pension scheme. “MCD employees, who usually get pension benefits after 33 years of service, will now get it upon completing 20 years of service. We will also be working on the Voluntary Retirement Scheme policy for employees of the Corporation,” added Gupta.

Councillor funds
The councillor fund that lapses after a year will now get carried forward to the next year as the councillor local area development funds. Councillors will also be able to use 10 per cent of these funds for development in unauthorised colonies.

All councillors of the 272 municipal wards will be given a canter truck. “These trucks will be at the disposal of the local councillors and will be used to lift concrete waste,” added Gupta. By 2010, Delhi will become cleaner, assured Gupta.