Funds collected under conversion charges being misused, alleges AAP

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCDs) are involved in financial misappropriation amounting to thousands of crores of rupees, as money collected under conversion charges from shopkeepers and/or traders over decades has been parked in other accounts.

The party levelled allegations that the money collected by the Corporation in the name of conversion charges, which is meant to be deposited in 'escrow' account, is instead being deposited in general account.

AAP alleged that this is deliberately being done by the MCD and BJP leaders, so that the money meant for public welfare and development of area would land into their own pockets.

"As per the book of accounts mentioned in Master Plan 2021, the amount collected as conversion charges, one time registration and one time parking charge, should be deposited under one head called escrow account by the local body concerned.

"This amount should be used for incurring expenditure for developing parking sites, augmentation of amenities, infrastructure and environmental improvement programme for areas from where these conversion charges were collected," AAP leader Dilip Pandey said at a press conference here.

Pandey alleged that South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) is acting as if there is no accountability, which has left traders in the lurch.

As per the provision of Master Plan 2021 and escrow account, SDMC is constructing and providing public utility services.