Newly elected Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh has announced the revocation of the user charge for waste collection. This relief will apply to residential properties, saving Delhi residents ₹600 to ₹2400 annually.
Delhi News: Raja Iqbal Singh, the newly elected Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), has provided significant relief to Delhi residents. He has announced the removal of the user charge levied for waste collection from residential properties. This decision will save lakhs of Delhi households ₹600 to ₹2400 annually.
This decision comes at a time when Delhi has, for the first time, a Triple Engine Government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in power at the central, state, and municipal levels. This is expected to lead to greater coordination and reduced political conflict in development projects.
What is the User Charge and Why Was it Controversial?
Under the Delhi government's Solid Waste Management Bye-laws, a monthly user charge was imposed: ₹50 for properties up to 50 square meters, ₹100 for properties between 50 and 200 square meters, and ₹200 for residential properties larger than 200 square meters.
This fee was collected along with Property Tax, adding an annual burden of ₹600 to ₹2400. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government implemented this charge from April 1st, which the Mayor has now announced to abolish.
Mayor's Priorities: From Cleanliness to Waterlogging
Raja Iqbal Singh stated that his focus will not be limited to the office. He will personally inspect conditions on the streets and listen to the problems of the people.
His key priorities will be:
Improving Delhi's Cleanliness System
- Preventing waterlogging during the monsoon season
- Ensuring timely cleaning of drains
- Eliminating garbage landfills
- Controlling air pollution
Benefits of the Triple Engine Government?
With the BJP now in power at the central government, Delhi government, and the MCD, this will facilitate policy-making and development projects by:
- Eliminating policy conflicts in project implementation
- Facilitating access to additional funds from the central government
- Accelerating development projects
- Improving basic amenities such as hospitals, dispensaries, and sanitation
Major Challenges Facing the BJP Government
The MCD has a debt of ₹14,000 crore, which needs to be addressed.
- Regularization of temporary employees
- Timely payment of employee salaries
- Identification and redevelopment of dilapidated buildings
- Upgrading infrastructure to prevent waterlogging
- Increasing resources in MCD hospitals and dispensaries
