Notice to state over NULM non-implementation

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, September 3

Taking a serious note on the issue of non-implementation of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) by the state government, the High Court today issued notices to the Centre and state government.

Issuing notices, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Dharam Chand Chaudhary further directed the authorities to file their replies within six weeks.

The court passed these orders on a petition filed by Namita Manikatala alleging that the NULM had been formulated by the Centre for the purpose of construction of shelters for the homeless in urban areas but not even a single shelter/house had been constructed. It is further alleged that the state government had failed to implement the scheme.

The petitioner had also quoted the news item relating to the issue which indicated that Rs 6,04,45,000 was released under the NULM by the Centre to the state but not even a single shelter/house has been constructed out of the funds.

The petitioner approached the court with the prayer that the state government should be directed to place before the court the data as to what amounts were received under various Urban Livelihood Mission in the last 10 years and in what manner the state has utilised it.

The petitioner also prayed that the state government might be directed to take steps for utilization of the funds. The petitioner further urged the court that the defaulting officers may be prosecuted for committing misfeasance in public office by imposing exemplary/punitive damages.

The court has treated this matter as a PIL petition and also impleaded the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, as party in this case. It further directed the respondents to file their status report along with their replies and listed the matter for further hearing on October 29.