A total of ₹64.11 crores has been collected by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from penalising 3.1 million people for not wearing a mask, states reports. They will now be using 50% of this money on development works and health services, among others.
Suresh Kakani, Additional Municipal Commissioner, said that half of the amount is streamlined to BMC's common fund. This fund is utilized for various development projects and coronavirus-related expenses. They are using the remaining half of the money to pay agencies that supply marshals to the civic body instead of offering them a direct salary.
Currently, there are 12 such agencies, and each of them is responsible for deploying marshals in two municipal wards. The BMC data also revealed that the Mumbai Police has collected an additional amount of ₹13.26 crores from Mumbaikars for not wearing masks.
Out of this, 50% will be transferred to the Mumbai Police Welfare Fund. The remaining amount is being deposited in BMC's common kitty. Kakani further said that the idea behind imposing a penalty was not to generate revenue. Mumbai's fine amount is much less, unlike other states.
Meanwhile, experts have suggested that Mumbaikars may have to continue using a face mask for another "10 to 12 months."
Also read: Mumbai Local News: GRP To Take Serious Action Against Commuters Without Masks
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