iamin exclusive: An interview with newly-appointed EDMC Mayor Harsh Malhotra

East Delhi Municipal Corporation elected Harsh Malhotra, Councilor from Welcome Colony, as its Mayor. He defeated Congress' Rekha RAni by 17 votes. Malhotra, an Ex-ABVP member was active in politics since his student life and joined BJP in 1993. He also runs an organisation 'Dadhichi Deh Daan Samiti' that motivates people for organ donation. In 1996, he also played a key role in the struggle against the industrial policies of the then government. In a tete-a-tete with iamin, Malhotra lays out his action plan for EDMC.

East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) is running in losses. How would you manage this financial crunch?

First of all let's be clear that the Corporation is not a money-making organisation. Delhi government funds it and thus, the government must immediately release corporation's funds. According to the report of Delhi Financial Commission, 4.5 per cent of the tax collection belongs to the Municipal Corporation. The said report is already out and it's to be presented in the Delhi Assembly. If the government delays it, that wouldn't be fair. There is a chance that Municipal Corporation's share of 4.5 per cent can be increased to 12.5 per cent. If it happens then we wouldn't need any extra financial assistance.  Delhi Government’s budget is Rs 36,000 crore and EDMC’s budget is just Rs 2,200 crore.

We don't have many sources for revenue generation. We have less commercial structures or huge buildings, so obviously lesser tax generation. DDA also owes us a lot of money; we will try and get that money first. We are not thinking of increasing house tax, instead, we will try and increase the house tax coverage. We will request those who don't pay house taxes to do so. The biggest source of our revenue is house tax.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Bharat Mission in October last year but North East and East Delhi areas hardly seem influenced by that. What’s going to be your action plan regarding this?

Cleanliness is not a one day campaign; it's a daily ritual. We need to get it internalised. Cleanliness tops my priority list. We have all the resources available for the same and I can assure you that there will be no negligence in the matter. It's impossible to achieve results without the participation of the people, so we plan to build awareness campaigns for people. EDMC will also try to enhance its infrastructure and speed up our efforts in Solid Waste Management.
 

Parking is a big issue in congested areas like Laxmi Nagar or Krishna Nagar. What are your plans for that?

As per the Master Plan, conversion charges and parking charges are supposed to be paid. People do pay the conversion charge but want concessions in parking. We will try and raise some money from there. EDMC has already identified three to four places where we are planning to build a multi-level parking. Similar work has already started in Krishna Nagar and Gandhi Nagar. We have also planned a big parking space near Babarpur Bus terminal.

You have been the chairman of Education Committee, do you have special plans for this department. MCD schools lack facilities and in some schools there is no space for students to even sit. What’s going to be your plan of action?

Our main focus would be on providing computer education and education through computer systems. Before the next session begins in July, we will have all schools equipped with computer labs. Tender process is already complete. I myself am monitoring this project.

195 out of 224 buildings are already set to be upgraded. By the end of this financial year, we will have 15 more buildings ready that will have ample space for students. New buildings have been built keeping in mind the modern facilities for the students.
 

Aam Aadmi Party always accuses the Corporations for being the dens of corruption. What will you do to make it more transparent?

Corporation has always been working towards bringing transparency and reducing corruption. AAP does nothing but politics and it seems they are yet to believe that they are in power. They are still continuing the politics of rally and dharna pradarshan because that’s how they have drawn benefits. First they abandoned Delhi, now they are in the power with false promises. Kejriwal ji clearly said that even if 40-50 per cent of promises are fulfilled, that will be enough for the Capital. 1031, the new anti-corruption helpline number and is functional on paper, but in reality, you wouldn't get a proper response on that number. That's just a publicity stunt. For the last three years we have done our best in all areas of corporation and we tried to make things online. We come with a vision, our solid waste management is a hit and very soon we will start producing LPG and electricity out of the waste.  

Malhotra also said that the EDMC helpline no. 155303 will be active 24*7 and redressal of public complaints shall happen at the the earnest.