Delhi-Meerut RRTS: SC gives Delhi 1 week to clear dues
In a strong-worded order, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Delhi government to allocate its Rs. 415 crore share for the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) by November 28. If it fails to, the court said the amount will be taken from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's advertising budget for 2023. This came after the AAP government flouted its previous deadline for allocating the funds. In July, the SC gave it two months for the fund settlement.
Why does this story matter?
In March 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS. Once complete, it will connect Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. It is being constructed at an estimated Rs. 31,632 crore. The project is funded by the Centre (20%), UP government (16.78%), and Delhi government (3.22%). Funding also includes $1 billion from the Asian Development Bank and $500 million each from the New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Delhi government's non-compliance with previous orders
Expressing displeasure, the SC asked, "Why has the Delhi government not complied with the court's order?" "We will stay your advertising budget. We will attach it and take it here (if funds aren't transferred within the stipulated time)." In response, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's government pledged to make budgetary allocations for the project. The SC's order would be kept in abeyance for a week. Reportedly, the Centre and UP have already credited their shares for the 82.15km rapid rail corridor.
Court highlights AAP government's ad spending amid fund scarcity claims
During the July hearing, the Delhi government argued it was facing a shortage of funds due to the termination of the goods and service tax compensation scheme by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s central government. However, the court noted the Delhi government spent Rs. 1,100 crore on advertisements over the past three fiscal years. "If Rs. 1,100 crore can be used for advertisement in the last three financial years, certainly money can be paid for the infrastructure project," it remarked.
SC warns Delhi government over RRTS project dues
Releasing funds in one go tough: Delhi government
The Delhi government's counsel told the SC the release of pending funds in one go would be difficult. However, the bench, comprising Justices Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia, said the Delhi government knew beforehand that the deadline was breached. "You did not even come to seek an extension. You did not even move an application saying I cannot do it in two months, I will do it in three months... This cannot be taken for granted," it said.
