CHANDIGARH: Allotting development works in 13 villages made the civic body realise that it was falling short of Rs 19.6 crore. So, it sent a request to the UT administration: either provide funds, or transfer all these works to its engineering department.
A sum of Rs 102.21 crore was allocated for the development of villages. Out of the amount, Rs 12 crore works would be carried out by the engineering department of the UT. Of the remaining around Rs 91 crore, the UT has already given Rs 50 crore to the municipal corporation (MC) under the dedicated funds category.
Although the engineering department of the MC has already allotted majority of the works of Rs 72 crore after securing administrative approval, all these works would be done in around Rs 50 crore as many tenders had come below the advertised rates owing to good competition. This helped the MC save over Rs 20 crore.
A letter written to the principal secretary, local bodies department, UT, said, “A sum of Rs 50 crore was transferred to the MC as dedicated funds. It was decided works for sewerage, storm water drainage and water supply will be undertaken and administrative approval of Rs 72.09 crore was accorded by the MC commissioner’s office. Estimates were prepared and tenders invited. It is expected the works will be completed in Rs 50 crore.”
“But funds of Rs 15.85 crore are required for repairing internal streets , Rs 2.04 crore for repair of buildings, Rs 1.17 crore for horticulture and electrical works. So, it is requested to either provide Rs 19.06 crore, or these works may be carried out by engineering wing of the UT,” the letter added.
