*Govt in fix over shifting control of civic services*
*Urban Renewal Mission clause makes DJB ineligible for funds if not under
MCD; Walia says shift not required *
*Esha Roy*<http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=editor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
*New Delhi, August 1:* THE clause under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban
Renewal Mission (JNNURM) that state governments will have to shift control
of civic services to Urban Local Bodies to qualify for funds for projects in
the Capital has left the Delhi government in a fix.
This would mean that the Delhi government will now have to hand over the
Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
[image: Advertisement]"If they don't do this, they will not be eligible for
the funds. One of the main thrusts of the JNNURM is that more powers be
given to the civic bodies," say senior officials in the Ministry.
The mandatory reforms to be carried out by states include assigning or
associating elected Urban Local Bodies with "city planning function",
transferring all special agencies that deliver civic services in urban areas
to ULBs over a period of seven years and creating accountability platforms
for all urban civic service providers in transition.
Director, JNNURM, Kumar Anirudh says: "The concept is strengthening local
governance and urban local bodies. Even if the Delhi government wants to
retain DJB, the jal board will be accountable to the MCD and will have to
report to them."
Delhi Urban Development and Finance Minister Dr A.K.Walia, however, says
handing over of the DJB is not required. "We've told the Ministry that it
and the ULBs do have a stake in the funds, but Delhi will also contribute 15
per cent so we have as much stake. There is no reason why we should hand
over agencies to the MCD," said Walia.
The Ministry will contribute 35 per cent of the total project costs while
the civic bodies are to bear 50 per cent cost.
*Sectors eligible for funds*
* The Centre has proposed substantial assistance through the Mission over
the seven-year period. During this period, funds shall be provided for
proposals that would meet the Mission's requirements.
* The sectors and projects eligible for assistance include redevelopment of
old city areas, shifting of industrial and commercial establishments from
non-conforming areas to reduce congestion, replacement of old and worn out
pipes by new and higher capacity ones, renewal of the sewerage, drainage,
and solid waste disposal system, water supply (including desalination
plants) and sanitation, solid waste management, transportation including
roads, highways, expressways, MRTS, and metro projects, parking lots and
spaces on PPP basis, development of heritage areas and preservation of water
bodies. Projects pertaining to redevelopment of slums included EWS housing
and providing basic services.
* The sectors that will not be eligible for funds, include power, telecom,
health and education.
*Urban Renewal Mission clause makes DJB ineligible for funds if not under
MCD; Walia says shift not required *
*Esha Roy*<http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=editor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
*New Delhi, August 1:* THE clause under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban
Renewal Mission (JNNURM) that state governments will have to shift control
of civic services to Urban Local Bodies to qualify for funds for projects in
the Capital has left the Delhi government in a fix.
This would mean that the Delhi government will now have to hand over the
Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
[image: Advertisement]"If they don't do this, they will not be eligible for
the funds. One of the main thrusts of the JNNURM is that more powers be
given to the civic bodies," say senior officials in the Ministry.
The mandatory reforms to be carried out by states include assigning or
associating elected Urban Local Bodies with "city planning function",
transferring all special agencies that deliver civic services in urban areas
to ULBs over a period of seven years and creating accountability platforms
for all urban civic service providers in transition.
Director, JNNURM, Kumar Anirudh says: "The concept is strengthening local
governance and urban local bodies. Even if the Delhi government wants to
retain DJB, the jal board will be accountable to the MCD and will have to
report to them."
Delhi Urban Development and Finance Minister Dr A.K.Walia, however, says
handing over of the DJB is not required. "We've told the Ministry that it
and the ULBs do have a stake in the funds, but Delhi will also contribute 15
per cent so we have as much stake. There is no reason why we should hand
over agencies to the MCD," said Walia.
The Ministry will contribute 35 per cent of the total project costs while
the civic bodies are to bear 50 per cent cost.
*Sectors eligible for funds*
* The Centre has proposed substantial assistance through the Mission over
the seven-year period. During this period, funds shall be provided for
proposals that would meet the Mission's requirements.
* The sectors and projects eligible for assistance include redevelopment of
old city areas, shifting of industrial and commercial establishments from
non-conforming areas to reduce congestion, replacement of old and worn out
pipes by new and higher capacity ones, renewal of the sewerage, drainage,
and solid waste disposal system, water supply (including desalination
plants) and sanitation, solid waste management, transportation including
roads, highways, expressways, MRTS, and metro projects, parking lots and
spaces on PPP basis, development of heritage areas and preservation of water
bodies. Projects pertaining to redevelopment of slums included EWS housing
and providing basic services.
* The sectors that will not be eligible for funds, include power, telecom,
health and education.