Date:10/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/10/stories/2007031003601100.htm

Tamil Nadu

Urban local bodies demand more administrative powers

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Chamber of Chairpersons of Municipalities, Tamil Nadu, has urged the State Government to increase administrative and financial powers of urban local bodies.

At a meeting held Chennai on Wednesday, the Chamber said more powers were needed to expedite development works. The existing powers were determined 10 years ago. The financial powers of municipal corporations should be increased to Rs. 1 crore, of special grade municipalities to Rs. 75 lakh and selection grade municipalities, Rs. 50 lakh. Arrears of Rs. 300 crore in the devolution of funds from the State to the urban local bodies . should be cleared.

It wanted the water and power utilities to reduce charges levied on urban local bodies. It sought revision of property tax, as establishment charges had gone up after the last revision in 1998. Chamber chairperson R.S. Bharathi presided.