CSMC budget to give boost to the city’s development!

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

After a prolonged wait of six years, the municipal corporation administration on Wednesday presented a budget of Rs 3,223 crore to standing committee chairman Anil Makariye. The budget places the highest emphasis on the overall development of the city, including 29 new Prabhags. Several innovative schemes have also been incorporated. A total provision of Rs 636.14 crore has been allocated for ongoing and new development works. Notably, for the first time in the Corporation’s history, provisions have been made for transgender persons, with Rs 20 lakh allocated for their welfare. Each corporator has been allocated Rs 25 lakh for development works in the budget.

The municipal commissioner G Sreekanth presented the budget to chairman Anil Makariye during a special meeting of the standing committee on Wednesday morning. Chief Accounts and Finance Officer (CAFO) Santosh Wahule, additional commissioners Ranjit Patil and Kalpita Pimpale, secretary Nandkishor Bhombe, along with all standing committee members, were present. The civic chief outlined the key features of the budget. Chairman Makariye announced that after reviewing the budget, it would soon be submitted to the general body (GB) for final approval.

Rs 29 crore allocation for 29 prabhags

The administration has allocated Rs 25 lakh per corporator for development works. With four corporators per prabhag, each prabhag will receive Rs 1 crore. The standing committee and the general body have the authority to increase this amount. There is an expectation that each corporator may receive Rs 50 lakh for development works.

Substantial allocation for development works

Provision has been made for projects worth Rs 202 crore initiated last year. An additional Rs 434 crore has been allocated for new development works, bringing the total to Rs 636.14 crore.

Property tax based on ready reckoner rates

The civic administration has set a target of Rs 250 crore from property tax for the financial year 2026–27, along with Rs 200 crore from arrears recovery. It is certain that the standing committee and the general body may revise these figures upwards. The administration has expressed its intention to levy property tax based on ready reckoner rates in the current financial year, claiming this could increase revenue collection by 18 to 30 per cent.

Water supply on a ‘No profit, No loss’ basis

A loan of Rs 822 crore has been approved for the water supply scheme, of which Rs 117 crore has been drawn so far. The remaining Rs 705 crore will be utilised over the year. Annual expenses, including loan repayment instalments and electricity costs, are expected to reach Rs 150–155 crore. Therefore, the administration aims to operate the water supply scheme on a ‘No profit, No loss’ basis. For the new financial year, a target of Rs 100 crore in water charges and Rs 100 crore in arrears recovery has been set.

Revenue from hawker zones and municipal assets

Hawker zones will be developed, expected to generate revenue of Rs 5.18 crore. Municipal shops, buildings, and theatres are expected to generate Rs 3.5 crore, rented properties Rs 2 crore, and advertising hoardings Rs 4 crore.

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Rs 415 crore revenue from Town Planning and Gunthewari Sections

The Town Planning (TP) section, a backbone of the corporation’s finances, is expected to generate Rs 351.11 crore, while the Gunthewari section is expected to generate Rs 100 crore. The municipal commissioner emphasised digitisation to boost revenue collection. It is also expected that Rs 131 crore will be received from various government schemes.

Administrative expenditure at Rs 547 crore

In the financial year 2026–27, Rs 547 crore will be spent on salaries, allowances, machinery, computers, and inventory. This is an increase from Rs 465 crore in the previous year. A provision of Rs 1.10 crore has been made for the computer section to accelerate work through AI technology. The corporation has also expressed its intention to implement welfare schemes for persons with disabilities, allocating Rs 21 crore for this purpose.