DJB deficit rose 170% in 5 years, alleges LoP; demands probe
The Hindu
Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri has alleged that the deficit of the Delhi Jal Board increased 170% to ₹70,000 over the last five years due to the Delhi government’s “incompetence
Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Sunday alleged that the deficit of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) increased 170% to ₹70,000 crore over the last five years due to the Delhi government’s “incompetence”.
Mr. Bidhuri said, “Till March 31, 2018, the deficit of the DJB was ₹26,268 crore. But in just five years, it has skyrocketed to ₹70,000 crore.”
He added that the Delhi Finance Department has also sought a report on the DJB’s functioning.
“Despite an increase in water supply and consumers, the revenue has been declining, which is a concerning trend. The revenue generated in 2016-17 was ₹1,615.83 crore, which rose to ₹1,819.60 crore in 2018-19, but has been consistently decreasing since then,” the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA said.
Mr. Bidhuri demanded that the DJB operations in the last eight years under the Aam Aadmi Party government be investigated by an independent agency.
The Delhi government issued no response when reached for a comment.
The Opposition Congress demanded that the government open the Gandhi Vatika Museum, depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and freedom struggle, built at a cost of ₹85 crore in Jaipur’s Central Park last year, during the Congress-led regime in Rajasthan. The museum has not been opened to the public, reportedly because of the administration’s engagements with the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.