The BJP-ruled South Delhi Municipal Corporation follows in the AAP government’s footsteps by clearing the decks to organise ward-level meetings to seek suggestions from people to use its development funds – a first-of-its-kind initiative by civic agencies.
The South Corporation is in the process of preparing proposals for its 2016-17 budget. On Tuesday, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation had presented its 2016-17 budgetary proposals.
Leader of the House in South Delhi Municipal Corporation Ashish Sood said on Thursday that the civic agency will set up a Twitter handle where people can tweet their suggestions.
“Delhiites can even write to us. We are in the process of getting an email ID for this purpose so that the utilisation of development budget will be decided on the basis of suggestions by people,” said Sood.
People’s participation
“This year, participation of people may remain at a lesser scale but next year we will ensure that the civic agency utilises its whole development budget according to the suggestions of people,” said the Leader of House in South Corporation.
He added that as per the provisions of the Delhi Municipal Act, the budget of the municipal corporation is prepared and presented by the commissioners in December. “Hence, the budget presented is often devoid of people’s changing concerns and needs. The civic agency will also seek suggestions of resident welfare associations to adequately utilise its funds on development project,” he said.
“During the discussions on the budget, we will incorporate these suggestions received from people as far as possible.”
The Leader of House said all the councillors of South Corporation have been asked to organise meetings at ward-level in their respective areas to involve people in spending the municipal funds. The BJP councillors will also keep locked boxes outside their offices where people can put their suggestions.
Published 04 December 2015, 01:55 IST