'Nagarpallika grants to be increased': R R Patil

Mumbai, Jan 27 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil today, admitted that whatever grant is being given to the rpt 222 Nagar Pallika and Nagar Parishad across the state by Government is not sufficient to meet their day-to-day expenses after abolition of Octroi in their respective juridiction.

Addressing at a one-day seminar of ''Maharashtra Rajya Mahanagarpallika-Nagarpallika Karmachari sanghatna'' federation at Parel, here Mr Patil said ''Whatever fund that the Government is providing as grants to Nagarpallika and Nagarparishad is not sufficient to improve infrastructure facilities for the masses, for that government has to think over increasing the funds to nagarpallika and nagarparishad.'' Talking about the federation's demand to abolish 'Octroi' which hampered the development of civic amenities, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the representatives of nagarpallika that he will take up the matter with the minister concerned and also to the Chief Minister to take appropriate steps in this regard.

Mr Patil also assured that he will arrange the meeting of federation representatives with the Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and other ministers for discussion to find out ways and means.

Speaking at the occasion President of Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Union Sachin Ahir said that some political leaders are politising the issue. But, as Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) he will raise the issue on the floor of house to oppose the abolition of the issue.

Earlier, Maharashtra Rajya Mahanagarpallika-Nagarpalika Karmachari Sanghatna Federation president Sharad Rao allegedly said that Government is misguiding the people by saying that octroi collection in the state, in June was Rs 5,000 crore, whereas it is more than 8,500 crore.

Due to abolition of octroi in Nagarpallikas the development work is hampered and even employees are not getting their salaries in time.

UNI ST AA SKB1609