Resident welfare associations divided on effect of Municipal Corporation of Delhi split

NEW DELHI: The MCD trifurcation has emerged as one of the biggest issues in the municipal polls, with BJP leaving no opportunity to criticize it and Congress highlighting it as an achievement of its Delhi government. The resident welfare associations in the city are, however, still divided on the issue. 

The trifurcation has left the capital with three corporations - North, South and East. Delhiites say only time will tell how beneficial the split will be for them. "The Delhi government assures that the trifurcation will improve governance. To improve efficiency, it could have gone for other alternatives like strengthening 12 zones. However, too much of centralized governance can make the decision-making process tough as MCD covers over 94% of Delhi," said Pankaj Aggarwal of Delhi Joint Front. 

Some feel that the trifurcation will benefit taxpayers. "South Delhi has been the highest revenue-generating area but did not witness that kind of development. I am paying tax but my money is used in the areas that don't generate any revenue. In Delhi, one civic body cannot make a uniform development plan as the need varies from area to area," said Monu Chadha, president, Jungpura RWA. 

However, not all share the same enthusiasm. "Trifurcation was hurriedly passed without going into detail. The civic body isn't even prepared and three people will be designated for the same post. Instead of splitting the civic body, steps to strengthen it should have been taken. The Delhi government knows very well that East Corporation hardly generates revenue and after the split, how will it sustain itself? There are so many areas in the east that are deprived of basic civic amenities. No major project can be taken up in these areas as for everything we will rely on the Delhi government. It will add to the financial burden of people," said B S Vohra, president, Federation of RWAs. 

But some residents say even now MCD gets funds from the government. "With the split, MCD will be closer to the people. We expect that now there will be no file delay and work will gain speed. The Delhi government has also assured that trifurcation will not pose a financial liability," said Ashok Bhasin, president, Federation of North Delhi RWAs.

with thanks : Times of India : LINK