HC seeks LG, Delhi government reply on funding civic bodies

New Delhi: The high court here on Wednesday sought response from the Delhi government and the lieutenant governor on BJP MLA Vijender Gupta`s plea seeking direction for financial allocation to the three municipal corporations in the national capital.

Justice V.P. Vaish granted four weeks time to the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government and Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung to file their responses after they failed to file reply.

The court now posted the matter for September 24.

The plea, filed by MLA Gupta, also sought direction for the Delhi government to “immediately implement” the report of 4th Finance Commission of Delhi which was constituted in 2009 to decide the share of municipal corporations in the total revenue of Delhi.

The commission had filed its report in 2013 which is yet to be implemented, it said.

Gupta contended that there must be an equitable distribution of funds between the government and civic agencies to ensure financial independence and proper functioning of municipal corp orations.

The plea further said inaction of the Delhi government on non-implementation of 4th Finance Commission report am ounted to non-exercise of the constitutional duty placed on it and has further caused undue hardship to the municipal corporations due to lack of funds.

IANS