The North News
Mohali, March 22
Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla has sought ₹200 crore from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the city’s financial shortfall and sustain essential municipal services. In an exclusive conversation with The North News, Mayor Babla said Shah assured her of support and would discuss the issue with the Punjab Governor.Babla raised concerns over the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s (MCC) financial constraints, exacerbated by the delayed implementation of the 4th Delhi Finance Commission (DFC) recommendations, pending since 2014. She requested an interim arrangement based on the 3rd DFC until a permanent solution is found. Despite entitlement to VAT, excise duties, motor vehicle tax, and service tax revenues, the MCC has received only ₹560 crore for FY 2024-25, far below its operational needs.
Sharing details she said that the shortfall has disrupted key services, including road maintenance, sanitation, waste management, and street lighting. The MCC oversees 2,000 km of roads, maintains 270 km annually, and manages over 1,900 parks and 1.75 lakh trees. Revenue collection challenges persist, with government departments among the biggest property tax defaulters.
To ease the crisis, Babla has requested an additional ₹200 crore to cover expenses for February and March 2025. She also proposed shifting to quarterly grant disbursements to improve financial planning. Shah acknowledged the urgency and assured intervention at the highest level.
