MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar Granted Financial Powers for Waste Management Proposals Amid Political Tensions

The Delhi government has empowered MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar to approve contracts worth Rs 5 crore and above for municipal solid waste management. This decision comes amid a political standoff between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Lieutenant Governor's office, with both sides blaming each other for delays in issuing the order. The Standing Committee, which usually handles such approvals, has not been formed for over 19 months due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Financial Authority Shift

The urban development department's order allows the commissioner to manage solid waste contracts under Section 202c of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. This step was necessary because the absence of a Standing Committee hindered contract execution, affecting the Municipal Corporation's ability to fulfil its duties. The order specifies limits for certain contracts that the commissioner can now approve.

Contract Details and Budget Caps

The contracts include collecting and transporting municipal solid waste in the Central Zone with a budget of Rs 1,137.98 crore. Additionally, a Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Facility at Narela-Bawana, with a capacity of 3000 TPD, is budgeted at Rs 604.26 crore. The bio-mining of legacy waste silt at Singhola is set at Rs 46.17 crore. Budget caps are also established for bio-mining at three dump sites: Okhla (Rs 156.45 crore), Ghazipur (Rs 223.50 crore), and Bhalaswa (Rs 223.50 crore).

While the commissioner can now execute these contracts, details must be shared with the Standing Committee once it is formed. The commissioner must adhere to codal and General Financial Rules and consult the finance unit for advice.

Political Accusations

A political dispute has arisen between LG VK Saxena's office and AAP over who delayed processing the order. The LG's office claims the delay was due to the Urban Development Ministry, blaming Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj for his stubbornness. AAP countered that they approved the file promptly and demanded accountability from the LG for any alleged inaction.

In a statement, AAP said, "The LG should publicly disclose what action he will take against those officers who have delayed the processing of file despite of the approval of the Minister UD, Saurabh Bharadwaj on 06.09.2024." They further stated that if no action is taken against these officers, it would imply that the delay was directed by the LG himself.

This development highlights ongoing tensions between Delhi's government and administrative bodies over governance issues.