The Hindu : New Delhi News : Kapoor opposes trifurcation, for a powerful MCD

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 09, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Kapoor opposes trifurcation, for a powerful MCD

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JUNE 8. Opposing the proposed trifurcation of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the outgoing Lieutenant-Governor, Vijai Kapoor, today said the "focal'' point of its reorganisation should be making it a more effective and powerful civic body.

Addressing the Councillors and senior officials of the MCD on the occasion of a farewell organised by the civic body for him at Town Hall, Mr. Kapoor strongly felt that mere physical division would not benefit the public.

"The central point of reorganisation of the municipality should be enhancement of its technical capabilities, efficiency in delivery of civic services and financial independence rather than mere geographical division. It is only then that the civic body would be able to provide a successful and better service to the citizens," Mr. Kapoor said.

Much to the jubilation of the Councillors, Mr. Kapoor's remarks comes a day after the House passed a unanimous resolution against the proposed trifurcation of the MCD. The Delhi Cabinet recently had given its approval in principle to divide the `gigantic' civic body into three smaller municipalities: North Delhi, South Delhi and East Delhi.

Once its Municipal Commissioner, the outgoing Lieutenant Governor emphasised the urgent need for financial independence of the civic body. He said the Corporation should augment its internal revenue and "should not" hesitate from taking decisions which might seem to be harsh and unpopular in the short term. "These are temporary in nature but these lead to ultimate civic good. People finally accept them in the long run," he said. He also called for developing technical competence, particularly by the Engineering Department. Referring to the developmental activities in the Capital, he observed that at present there were only islands of excellence, such as Delhi Metro and flyovers. "More important is to develop a system of excellence in work culture and efficient delivery of services," he said and hoped that the MCD would rise to the occasion by making it financially independent, developing technical capabilities and evolving an efficient work culture.

Earlier the Delhi Mayor, A. R. Verma, presented a memento and a shawl on behalf of the MCD to Mr. Kapoor. Leaders and the senior officers fondly recalled his close association with the civic body and his contribution to delivery of better civic services. Welcoming Mr. Kapoor, the Municipal Commissioner, Rakesh Mehta, acknowledged that the MCD had greatly benefited from his deep understanding of civic functioning. "The Civic Centre project is on the verge of take off mainly because of his keen interest and support provided by him. The Unit Area Method for the assessment of house tax could be implemented with his sagacious guidance. He has recently obtained clearance from DDA for constructing modernised parking sites," Mr. Mehta said.

The Deputy Mayor, Ramesh Dutta, recalled how he gave top priority to the Councillors as Mr. Kapoor felt that they are deeply rooted in public affairs. The Standing Committee Chairman, Mukesh Goel, praised Mr. Kapoor for his able administration.

The Leader of the Opposition, Subhash Arya recalled his contribution towards making Delhi greener, widening of roads, development of railway system and cleansing of the Yamuna. "His long tenure of six years speaks volumes of his adaptability and capability," he said. The Leader of the House, Satbir Singh, said the efforts of Mr. Kapoor in development of Delhi were commendable. "As Delhi's Lieutenant-Governor, he has left an indelible mark on the work culture," he said.

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