Despite financial crisis, NMC to sponsor 3 private events

Nagpur: Despite facing financial crisis, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed to sponsor three private events following demand from corporators.
The proposals to grant funds of Rs 80 lakh to three events have been tabled before the standing committee headed by Virendra Kukreja. The decision will be taken in a meeting organized on Wednesday.

The NMC’s sports and cultural department has tabled the proposals seeking Rs 30 lakh for ‘Bhim Buddh Geet’, Rs 20 lakh for ‘Aahi Bhartache Lok’ and Rs 30 lakh for ‘Adivasi Mahotsav’. It seems that a trend of sponsoring such events has started in the civic body. The NMC does not plan such events; private organizations or corporators do so and bring them to the NMC for sponsorship.

Another proposal before the standing committee is to approve the draft of MoU to be executed between the NMC and MahaMetro for construction of Metro Mall under London Street Project.

Actually, the MoU was executed a few days ago and now the projects department is seeking the standing committee’s approval violating the norms and teasing the committee.

As per the proposal, the NMC will pay 2.5% of the total cost of Metro Mall to MahaMetro for execution. It will also release Rs11 crore to MahaMetro in advance for beginning the works.

The NMC’s general administration department has tabled a proposal before the standing committee for appointment of private taxi owners for hiring 70 four-wheelers for office-bearers and officials for a period of two years. The proposal is shrouded with controversy for various reasons.

The standing committee will also take a decision on appointment of two private agencies for supply of six hearse vans each, ambulances and cold coffins at a cost of Rs 2.01 crore.

A proposal is to asphalt Canal Road from University Library square to Panchsheel Square at a cost of Rs 44.70 lakh. The road is in a very bad condition as it has developed many potholes due to private construction activities.

Another proposal is to concretize the stretch from Krida Square to Medical Square at a cost of Rs 1.12 crore. Another 66 proposals related to civil works will come up before the standing committee for approval.