Kumar Madhukar
Chandigarh, November 21, 2024: Prem Garg, Senior Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh, has strongly condemned the Municipal Corporation’s (MC) proposal to impose a higher levy on electricity. Calling the move “ridiculous and anti-public,” he urged all councillors, especially those from AAP, to oppose this agenda and stay committed to the promises made to the people.
Prem Garg highlighted that AAP’s manifesto, dated December 16, 2021, promised free water, free electricity, and free parking. This promise played a pivotal role in securing 14 seats for AAP in the MC elections. “Now, with an AAP-led Mayor, any proposal for higher electricity levies would amount to backtracking on these commitments and betraying the trust of the people,” said Garg.
He further emphasized that the city’s financial needs can be met without burdening the public. “There are hundreds of ways to augment MC resources and curb wasteful expenditures. Instead of penalizing citizens, the MC should focus on recovering revenue from unregulated and illegal water connections and disconnected meters.”
Suggested Measures for Revenue Generation:
1.Installing Meters on Illegal Water Connections: Garg pointed out that many families in colonies are using MC pipelines without meters and have not paid a single rupee for years. By installing meters and recovering dues, the MC can generate significant revenue annually.
2.Efficient Recovery of Dues: Pending dues from disconnected meters must be collected through a streamlined and accountable process.
3.Universal Meter Installation: He proposed making the process of installing water meters as easy as obtaining mobile connections to ensure everyone contributes fairly.
Garg also urged the MC to adopt citizen-friendly policies by decoupling water and electricity connections from residency proof or property ownership requirements. “Water and electricity are basic rights and should not be tied to bureaucratic formalities,” he said.
Calling the levy proposal “foolish and anti-people,” Garg demanded its immediate withdrawal. He reminded AAP councillors of their duty to stand by the promises made in the manifesto and work for the welfare of Chandigarh’s citizens.
“We must oppose this agenda unitedly and explore more effective and fair solutions for revenue generation. The people of Chandigarh deserve transparency, accountability, and fulfillment of the promises made to them,” concluded Prem Garg.
