NEW DELHI: The idea was to empower the local resident and help him or her highlight issues concerning the common man. Yet, a decade after the Delhi government decided to step in and set up the Bhagidari cell - an interface between the government and resident - the RWA movement, feel many Delhiites, seems to have turned into a beehive for local political agendas.
While some RWAs look for a political identity - by participating in polls like in Gurgaon, in Delhi, self-styled RWAs leaders have gone on to join mainstream politics. Even those that remain within the fabric of the movement are exposed to individual agendas, say various RWA members. The reason is not hard to find. In a city that prides itself on who knows whom or the ubiquitous "jugaad", the RWA has become synonymous with entry into the local political circle.
The RWA gets nominal financial funding from the government as part of the "My Delhi I Care Fund". This amount, Rs 50 lakh, is given to each district - there are nine districts in Delhi. The DC in turn, can distribute the fund to projects approved by a core committee headed by a SDM provided the project is not worth more than Rs 5 lakh. In cases where the cost of work exceeds Rs 5 lakh, the sanction of the divisional commissioner is needed. The core committee evaluating the projects consists of members of local RWAs headed by the SDM. Government sources however, admit that while Rs 50 lakh is the fund provided, in cases were more funding is needed, a case can be made and the government will make provisions.
With thanks : TIMES OF INDIA : link above for detailed news.
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