New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Citizens of Delhi shell out almost Rs.1.16 billion (Rs.116 crore) a year for the development of their neighbourhoods, with no idea where the money actually goes. The conditions remain as bad as ever. Now, armed with the Delhi Right to Information (RTI) Act, a civil society group has decided to question the authorities.

Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), a New Delhi-based citizens' vigilance group, has launched a campaign to access information on how public funds are being utilized by the municipal councillors.

The capital had till recently 134 Municipal Council of Delhi (MCD) councillors, who were allocated Rs.8.7-10 million (Rs. 87 lakh to Rs. 1 crore) under the Councillor Funds Scheme to spend on the development needs of the respective areas.

But bad roads and poor sanitation constantly stare at the residents despite the huge funds allocated. This has forced the people to take the matter into their hands.

Members of SNS, using the Delhi RTI Act, 2001, sought details of the work done using the councillors' funds, which amounts to nearly Rs.5.5 billion, in all the 134 areas in the period 2002-07.

"We found that a huge portion of the money was used on things that don't really benefit the people. For instance in Greater Kailash-1, we found that nearly half the funds were used in constructing fountains and beautifying parks when people don't have access to drinking water and basic sanitation," Amrita Johri, an SNS volunteer, pointed out.

They also found that there were no guidelines on how the councillors should disburse these funds. "And there is no platform by which citizens can express their needs," Johri told IANS.

SNS kicked off its current information campaign in Sheikh Sarai in south Delhi Sunday, aimed at bringing together people from both low income and high income groups and spreading awareness about their initiative.

"By comparing the area councillor's expenditure with the people's development needs, we are making them aware of their rights. This collective will act as a pressure group to push for formulation of proper guidelines to ensure effective utilization of the funds," said SNS president Anjali Bharadwaj.

Among those who have used the RTI Act and got their work done is retired Rear Admiral J.D.M. Sodhi of Sheikh Sarai.

"For eight years we fought with MCD to improve the roads in our colony but with no avail. As a last resort we filed an application using the RTI Act, seeking information about the work done on the roads using public funds.

"Alarmed, the MCD did the work in three days! We realised the importance of the RTI Act, and like us everyone else should. This is our right. SNS is heading towards the right direction," he remarked
(SNS can be reached at http://satarknagariksanghatan.blogspot.com)