Delhi government told to table fourth fince panel report in assembly

New Delhi, Jan 7: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the city government to table the fourth Fince Commission in the next assembly session. The fourth Fince Commission was set up in 2009 to review the fincial position of the civic agencies and make recommendations on sharing net proceeds of taxes, duties, tolls and fees levied by the Delhi government. A division bench headed by Chief Justice G.Rohini also directed constitution of fifth Fince Commission within eight weeks, and release of funds to the civic bodies.

“The Delhi government and lt governor shall also ensure that the recommendations made by the fourth Fince Commission together with the explatory memorandum as to the action taken thereon is laid before the next assembly session without fail,” said the bench. “In the meanwhile, the government shall ensure that funds be released to the civic bodies in terms of the recommendations of the third Fince Commission of tiol Capital Territory of Delhi,” it added. The third Fince Commission had recommended a 5.5 percent share of the tax, while the fourth Fince Commission has recommended that civic bodies’ share be increased to 12.5 percent. The court’s order came on a PIL filed by NGO Campaign for People Participation in Development Planning, through advocate Anil Aggarwal, seeking that there must be an equitable distribution of funds between the government and civic agencies to ensure fincial independence and proper functioning of municipal corporations. (IANS)