Delhi govt to replace RDB with Village Development Board

To facilitate development work in urban villages, the Delhi government on Wednesday decided to "upgrade" the Rural Development Board (RDB) with the formation of a new body, Village Development Board.

Following a board meeting of the RDB, chaired by Development Minister Gopal Rai, the decision was taken in view of the RDB not having any mandate to take up civic works in urban villages.

"The government has decided to upgrade Rural Development Board with the new one Village Development Board, in order to ensure development works in both urban and rural villages. We have set aside around Rs 600 for the same," Rai said.

Briefing reporters about the move, Rai said the Village Development Board will be constituted within a month, with the Cabinet's nod.

The MLAs of an area are also members of the RDB, which takes decision to initiate development work in rural areas of the city, while the Irrigation department executes projects.

Rai informed that the Board approved 400 new projects on Wednesday, which would mainly focus would crematorium construction and repair works, construction of four walls around water bodies and walls on Gram Sabha lands.

He said: "As per laid down rules, the RDB does not have any mandate to carry out development work in urban villages. Once the proposed Village Development Board is in place, the body can do it."

The Minister also said that the RDB has received around 600 development proposals from legislators and, of this, work orders have been done for 36 proposals.

He said that as per rough estimate, each village in every constituency is expected to get Rs 2 crore for development projects.

"Most of the MLAs demanded construction of Chhath Ghats in their areas. So the Board allotted Rs 44.26 crore for 75 Chhath Ghats," said Rai.

The Delhi Revenue department has already been directed to take all necessary steps for the provisions of tents and cleaning Chhath Ghats.