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SAD cornered; BJP, Cong, Independents oppose new taxes

The house meeting of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation on Saturday saw the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) isolated on various issues as the Congress, Independents and even BJP councillors was against them. BJP councillors were seen in an active mode against Akali Dal and voiced their grievances with Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria in an aggressive way […]

The issue of imposing new taxes such as street light tax, beautification tax etc were oppsed by all parties. The issue of imposing new taxes such as street light tax, beautification tax etc were oppsed by all parties.

The house meeting of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation on Saturday saw the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) isolated on various issues as the Congress, Independents and even BJP councillors was against them.

BJP councillors were seen in an active mode against Akali Dal and voiced their grievances with Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria in an aggressive way compared to Congress councillors. On various issues, Congress was seen supporting BJP and vice-versa against Akali Dal while councillors from group of independent MLA Simarjit Singh Bains too pitched in on multiple issues.

In its last meeting in February, house passed BRTS system (Bus Rapid Transport System) for the city and decision to drop the much touted Metro Project was announced leading to an uproar in the house. Opposition to various new taxes such as beautification tax, street light tax etc came in unison and the Mayor had to drop both the proposals.

Ex-Mayor questions demolitions

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The meeting started on a crispy note for Akali Dal when ex-Mayor from their own party, Hakam Singh Giaspura, now a councillor spoke against demolition drives in his area. He alleged that MC is conducting the ‘unauthorised’ and ‘illegal’ demolitions without following a legal procedure. “Notices are not being served and no demarcation is done beforehand. In my own area, assistant town planners, Banke Bihari (booked by vigilance for graft) and Nirmaljeet took bribe to spare some homes while houses of people who did not pay were demolished. The revenue department is never consulted before demolishing homes,” said Giaspura.

No new taxes approved

The issue of imposing new taxes such as street light tax, beautification tax etc were oppsed by all parties. MC planned to imposed beautification tax on hotels (to be collected from the guests) and street light tax on all residents. Both the proposals were not passed. The proposal to levy External Development Charges, change of land use, Urban Development Cess and Permission Fees as per redefined Potential Zones by state government was also dropped. Congress said that rates in Bathinda have been kept lower and higher rates are deliberately being imposed on Ludhiana. Mayor said that recommendation will be sent to equalize rates for Ludhiana and Bathinda.

BRTS shoots up to Rs 1,493 crore

Festive offer

House passed the revised BRTS detailed project report which now includes improvement of Jagraon Bridge worth Rs 109.75 crore. The house passed Rs 1,250 crore project in February this year which has now increased to Rs 1,493 crore. MC will transfer 4.72 acres on Hambran road to Punjab Bus Metro Society for it. BJP councilor Inder Aggarwal and independent councillor Parminder Soma slammed the Akali Dal for the bus service lying in shatters. Soma questioned that why unemployed youth is not being hired as staff and crores being doled out on hiring firms.

Meanwhile, the councillors in unison opposed the proposal to give MC land on lease to Master Tara Singh Memorial College adjoining MC Zone A building. The lease papers of MC land allotted to Kundan Vidya Mandir school are also missing and councillors opposed proposal to renew lease on old rates. It was decided that KVM trust will have to pay MC on latest rates and new lease agreement will be made.

MC HOUSE MEETING

Decisions

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#  Proposal to provide a room to SAD district president and vice chairman of Punjab Traders Board, Madan Lal Bagga in MC office rejected.

#  In death case of sewer man, family to get Rs 10 lakh (earlier Rs 2 lakh) compensation.

#  Nod to regularisation of illegal water and sewerage connections by paying fee of one year only. (even if connection is more than a year old).

#  Proposal to increase vehicle licensing fee (from Rs 50 to Rs 500 for rickshaws, carts etc) rejected.

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#  Nod for formation of a disciplinary committee which will enquire if a councilor complains against an official more than three times.

#  GLADA offers land for construction of MC house which will be equipped with latest facilities.

#  Committee to look into the matter of allotting land to Muslim community for graveyard.

#  Revamp of roof top restaurant, shops at multi-level parking at MC Zone-A for Rs 8 crore.

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#  MC Commissioner announced that within a week hoardings placed along flyovers will be removed.

First uploaded on: 22-12-2014 at 04:58 IST
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