Give facilities, can make money, say councillors

CHANDIGARH: Can the municipal corporation (MC) generate revenue on its own? Councillors say they are not against doing so if proper facilities are provided to city residents by the UT administration.
Former city deputy mayor and councillor Satish Kainth says, “We are ready to generate our own funds and even gradually increase taxes, like we have enhanced the parking charges.We are also ready for water charges, but only if the supply is provided round-the-clock. We need to first provide the facilities rather than putting more financial burden on the public.”
Senior deputy mayor Rajesh Kumar Gupta said, “It is a fact that we are facing a shortage of funds. Our FDs (fixed deposits) are reducing. I feel that as per the Delhi Fourth Finance Committee’s recommendations, some departments should come under us immediately.” “The UT administration should also give us more money. It should also be the responsibility of the municipal corporation to either dispose of its own properties or give it on rent,” Gupta said.
Municipal councillor Devinder Singh Babla of the Congress slammed the central government for rejecting the demand of Rs 925 crore. “This clearly shows how the central government is treating the Chandigarh BJP. We (Congress) ruled for 15 years and brought funds and projects, while on the other hand BJP is financially burdening citizens,” he claimed.
Residents already burdened: Foswac
Baljinder Singh Bittu, president, Federation of Sectors Welfare Associations Chandigarh, said there are numerous means through which the MC can generate funds without burdening the people, but efforts are not being made. “Residents are already financially burdened by different departments of the UT administration. Rather than imposing new taxes, the civic body should first ensure better facilities. It has failed to provide even basic facilities like proper disposal of garbage. Currently, there are companies, who are ready to take garbage without charging a single penny, he said.