Chandigarh, July 4:- City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar raised the issue of giving water connections on the pattern of electricity connections by Chandigarh Administration outside red line area (Lal Dora) in the villages of Chandigarh.

In a letter written to the Adviser to the Administrator, UT, Chandigarh here today the Mayor raised various key issues pertaining to the larger public interest including withdrawal of the notice of advertisement served during the Sobha Yatra taken out to celebrated the birth anniversary of Lord Shree Valmiki ji by the people of Valmiki Samaj in the year 2019.

The other issues raised by the Mayor including allow giving water connections outside red line (lal dora) area in the villages of Chandigarh; Regular co-ordination meetings may be convened between Chandigarh Administration and MC Chandigarh as per past practice; The councilors who represent general public of city beautiful may also be taken into confidence before passing any orders and notifications for implementing the same in Chandigarh which directly relate to the residents of the city.

The Mayor raised the issue to release the proceeds of taxes under the provisions of setion 90 (6) (a) (b) & (c) of Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 as extended to Union Territory Chandigarh by the Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension to Chandigarh) Act, 1994 including (a) Under the Indian Stamp Act 1899 on account of Stamp Duty on transfer of property situated within the local area of the city; (b) Under the Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act, 1924 as applicable to the Union Territory of Chandigarh, from every person keeping a motor vehicle within the local area of the city: (c) Under the Punjab Electricity (duty) Act, 1958, on the energy supplied within the local area of the city.

He informed the Adviser about all the revenue receipts of the Municipal Corporation, which are not sufficient to cope up with the financial crunch of the MC Chandigarh and demanded that necessary instructions may be issued to the concerned authorities to release the proceeds of taxes according to the provisions of law.

He mentioned in the letter that for the coming financial year 2024-25, Rs. 200 crores required in addition to the sanctioned grant-in-aid. Due to increased expenditure on account of arrears, salary and pension under 7th Central Pay Commission, increase in wages rate, electricity charges and other miscellaneous expenditure on the various ongoing projects.

The Mayor requested the Adviser for strengthening the financial position of the MC Chandigarh as well as welfare of its employees. He also raised the issue to release the grant in aid as per the recommendations of 4th Delhi Finance Commission to the MC, Chandigarh.