Development claims of Akalis hollow: Sidhu
CHANDIGARH: Local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday described the Akalis’ claims of large-scale development in the state during their regime as hollow.
Sidhu said Union minister for urban development Venkaiah Naidu in a communiqué sent to chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh has pointed out glaring irregularities in the release of central and state share of funds to the urban local bodies (ULBs).
“Not only the state’s share was not released but there was delay in releasing central government’s share, leading to an anomaly,” said Sidhu referring to a letter dated April 20.
The communiqué also referred to the provisions of recruiting professional in state ULBs to be funded by the Centre but the previous Punjab government never filled the vacancies, said Sidhu.
“It calls for an explanation by the previous regime which often harps on development,” he added.
“The Atal mission for rejuvenation and urban transformation (AMRUT) is also reeling under glitches,” said Sidhu, seeking an explanation from the former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Sidhu must focus on work, not politics: SAD
Replying to Sidhu’s remarks, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) secretary and spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema said the Congress minister was resorting to cheap political gimmicks. “The letter he (Sidhu) is referring to was sent on April 20. It is surprising that instead of fulfilling the shortcomings mentioned in the letter and getting funds released, the minister is trying to pin blame on the SAD,” said Cheema.
HEFTY WATER BILLS: ‘WHY SENDING RECOVERY NOTICES AFTER 10 YRS’?
Local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday said he had asked the officers to explain why notices were sent to the consumers for recovery of water bills pending for 10 years. About 50,000 consumers were told to pay recovery which runs into crores of rupees.
“Why bills remained pending for 10 years” questioned Sidhu, adding that the process for sending the bills started during the fag-end of the Akali-BJP regime.
The previous government needs to explain why bills were not charged for over a decade and then suddenly consumers were burdened, he added.