The Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh is facing financial difficulties since a sizable percentage of community centre reservations are made at no cost, which results in a sizable revenue deficit. This program, which is meant to help poor citizens, has drawn criticism because of possible abuse and how it affects the revenue of the municipal body.
Data reveals a concerning trend: Nearly half of the 4,054 events held at community centres in 2023 were free, resulting in a loss exceeding Rs 2 crore. This figure could have doubled if standard fees were applied. The situation wasn’t much different in 2022 either, with 1,571 out of 3,583 bookings being free, leading to revenue of Rs 2.64 crore.
The crux of the issue lies in the authority granted to councillors to waive fees, particularly for weddings of underprivileged girls. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for this privilege to be abused. The lack of a mandatory verification process during booking allows councillors to potentially extend this benefit to relatives or residents within their wards, irrespective of actual financial need.
A councillor, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the problem. “Many exploit this system to favor people in their wards or for personal gain. The scheme is clearly misused and should be abolished. It not only hurts the MC’s finances but also violates the principle of equal fees for all residents.”
The financial implications are significant. Community centres, each constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore, are being used free of charge by individuals who can likely afford the booking fees. “How can we justify free use of these centres when people can afford catering, decorations, and tents for large gatherings?” questioned the councillor.
Proposed solutions are emerging. Some officials advocate restricting free usage to Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, solely for weddings of underprivileged girls. Additionally, free bookings for events like kriya (post-death rituals), bhog (religious ceremonies), rasam pagri (Sikh mourning rituals), and monthly Resident Welfare Association (RWA) meetings are also being re-evaluated.
Mayor Kuldeep Kumar recognizes the issue and has proposed modifications. “Concerns regarding free community centre use are valid. We’ve proposed limiting fee waivers for girl-child weddings to specific colonies and villages. Those with genuine financial constraints can utilize centres in rural areas, where costs are around Rs 15,000 per booking. Exemptions under other categories are also under review.”
The free community centre booking policy has ignited a debate about fairness and its financial repercussions. Stricter regulations and a robust verification process are crucial to ensure that only those genuinely in need benefit from this program, safeguarding the financial health of Chandigarh’s Municipal Corporation.
