India, May 23 -- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) released the first instalment of Rs 50 lakh under the enhanced councillor local area development fund to speed up civic works ahead of the monsoon, officials said on Friday. The move comes after the BJP-led civic body increased the annual councillor fund from Rs 1.55 crore to Rs 2 crore in the 2025-26 budget. According to an official statement, the first tranche was released by the MCD commissioner, and the total amount would be disbursed in four phases to ensure "monitoring, transparency and accountability". "The BJP administration realised that the earlier allocation of Rs 1.55 crore was insufficient, considering the rapidly growing needs and public expectations. Therefore, the fund has now been increased to Rs 2 crore," Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma said. Officials said the released amount includes Rs 40 lakh earmarked for civil works, Rs 5 lakh for electrical works and Rs 5 lakh for horticulture-related works. The funds will be used for the repair of roads, filling of potholes, replacement of manhole covers, drain cleaning, laying of slabs, improving street lights and maintenance of parks, Sharma said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.