Mumbai: Guardian minister sitting on funds request since June, says Maha Vikas Aghadi MLA

Waikar had asked for funds for the repair of internal roads and drains

Jogeshwari East MLA Ravindra Waikar, belonging to Shiv Sena (UBT), has raised the lack of approval for civic funds by the Guardian Minister of suburban Mumbai, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, with the civic commissioner and the chief minister. Lodha belongs to the BJP, which is part of the ruling government in the state.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief IS Chahal has made a provision of Rs 35 crore for civic work in all 36 assembly constituencies. According to a BMC decision, local MLAs can suggest civic works to the guardian minister, who has to approve their request. Post the guardian minister's approval, the BMC can disburse the funds. Waikar in his August 28 letter to Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Chahal has requested them to approve his request for funds, which has been waiting for approval from Lodha since June 23, 2023.

"As the term of corporators ended last year, I am getting requests from citizens for improvement works in their areas. As per the BMC policy, I wrote a letter to the Guardian Minister of Suburbs Mangalprabhat Lodha on June 23, 2023. In this letter, I suggested civil works in at least 50 spots in Jogeshwari East. These are mainly slum pockets. However, no approval has come from the guardian minister. Not just me, but all Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) MLAs are facing this issue. We are suggesting the work for the welfare of citizens. This is unfair to them as the guardian minister is approving works suggested only by BJP MLAs," Waikar said. Lodha did not respond to mid-day's calls and messages. In February 2023, mid-day had highlighted the discriminatory fund allocations to corporators by the BMC.