Sisodia meets Sitharaman, demands Delhi's share of central taxes

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Friday and discussed economic issues related to the National Capital including the share of central taxes.

"There was a positive dialogue over issues related to development of the capital. I demanded that Delhi be given its share of central taxes. She has assured me that she will look into it," Mr Sisodia told the media after the meeting.

This was the first meeting of Mr Sisodia, who also holds the finance portfolio, with Union Finance Minister after taking oath on February 16.

"During the meeting, I asked for funds to be provided for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in the same way as the central government gives (Rs 488 per capita per year) to the municipal corporations of other states. As of now, Delhi receives no funds from the central government for the municipal corporation," he stated.

"Delhi has not been given any share in central taxes since 2001 by the central government. Whereas 42 pc of central taxes are given to all other states based on the recommendations of the Finance Commission. Prior to 2001, Delhi also used to get a share in it," Mr Sisodia said in a tweet after the meeting.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Adami Party will present its first Budget of the new term in the Vidhan Sabha. Earlier, Mr Kejriwal met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence on Wednesday, in a 'courtesy call, after the Assembly polls.

"We mutually agreed on working together for the development of Delhi. The central and state government will work together on various matters including women security to avoid any differences in approach, as there is a major division of power and responsibilities when it comes to the functioning of departments in Delhi," Mr Kejriwal had said.