Ahead of polls,Mayor promises funds to RWAs

Ahead of the municipal polls,the BJP-controlled MCD announced budget allocation of Rs 34 crore for RWAs under the resident ward committee scheme. Mayor Rajni Abbi also promised additional grants of Rs 12,000 per annum.

“There has been persistent demand by the RWAs to provide some financial aid to streamline their functioning. The aid of Rs 1,000 every month will help associations to organise their meetings smoothly. Also a separate budgetary provision of Rs 34 crore will strengthen public consultation in development works highlighted by the association,” Abbi said. There are 80 resident ward committees — 2,000 RWAs — under the MCD.

However,with the trifurcation of the MCD,it is unclear how the promise will be kept. The three new corporations — North,South and East — will have separate budgets which will be finalised by the three new administrations. The suggestions made by the existing civic body are not obligatory on them.

“We have made the provision in the new budget for the coming financial year. Although it is not binding on the new corporations to follow our recommendations,the MCD has set a precedent. Only when such provisions are made by us,it can be implemented,”Abbi said.