MC uses VAT refund for development works

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 19

In a shocking revelation, the Municipal Corporation of Jalandhar (JMC) had used its VAT refund money of around Rs 12.34 crore to carry out the development works promised by the four MLAs before the 16th Lok Sabha elections held early this year.

The state government had promised to release Rs 3 crore as special MLA grant just before the commencement of the model code of conduct in the state. Despite repeated reminders by the MC, the government failed to sanction the promised grant till date.

Facing huge criticism, the MC while enforcing section 84(2) of the Municipal Act passed a resolution in the house meeting held on November 4 to utilise the VAT refund money for carrying out the development works as promised by the MLAs in their respective area.

“How can the MC releases grant to itself from its own money? They are using their own money by showing it as an MLA grant. Although, most of the promised works are near completion, the government has yet not released the grant,” said Balraj Thakur, councilor, ward no 57.

While slamming the state government, he further said, “The MC had carried out the development work mostly in the unauthorised colonies. Foundation stones laid there amounting to the development works worth Rs13 crore are still prominently displaying the names of the SAD- MLAs of their respective area.”