Central government disbursed only Rs 16 cr for Mumbai: Somaiya

Mumbai, July 14 (UNI) Former BJP MP Dr Kirit Somaiya today said it was a shame that the Central Government has disbursed only Rs 16 crore from the Rs 1,000 crore grant for Mumbai, till now.

Dr Somaiya said during the last three years, from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2007, the Centre disbursed a total of Rs 238 crore grant for Mumbai, while the city has contributed Rs 2,16,559 crore to the government in the form of various taxes in the last three years.

He also questioned the so-called 'nakli prem' for Mumbai by the Congress governments at the Centre and the State. Both, the Central and State Congress leaders including the Prime Minister, Chief Minister and the congress president, have made several announcements, including converting Mumbai into Shanghai but they are looting Mumbai, Dr Somaiya alleged in a statement.

The authoritie informed him that not a single paise has been received from the Centre for the 'Mithi River Project, Metro Railway Project, or the MUIP, during the last three years, he said.

The Central Government extended Rs 623 crore loan for MUTP, repayment of which will start next year, he added.

UNI