- Municipal Corporation’s budget proposed to be more than 3611 crores
Bhopal, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) presented its proposed budget for the financial year, with a significant Rs 300 crore increase, compared to last year. The budget, amounting to Rs 3611.79 crore, sparked intense discussions in the council meeting, particularly around a proposal to increase the budget for the construction of the BMC headquarters by Rs 7 crore.
The budget presentation was led by Mayor Malti Rai, who arrived at the session with a white-and-blue tote bag containing the budget documents, accompanied by Corporation Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi and MIC members. During the meeting, a heated debate arose over a proposal by the Municipal Commissioner to remove a councillor, which was strongly opposed by the councillors. Mayor Rai responded by emphasising that any such proposal should first be discussed within the MIC or the Council before being sent to the state government.
Further discord emerged over the conduct of municipal officers, with complaints about their failure to answer calls. BJP councillor Pappu Vilas Ghadge raised a storm, accusing a health officer of misbehaving with a fellow councillor and demanding action.
This led to another point of contention: the additional GST charges. Congress councillors protested the increase, while BJP’s Ghadge argued that the work was already delayed, making the cost hike unjustifiable. He called for a thorough review before approval.
MIC member Ravindra Yati defended the budget, highlighting the key features of the proposed new headquarters, but councillors Himanshu Kansana and Guddu Chauhan raised concerns about the increased GST payments. Ashok Wani, another MIC member, reassured the council that the tender process and GST payments had been done in compliance with the rules.
The meeting also addressed the status of incomplete housing projects. Congress councillor Yogendra Singh Chauhan questioned the progress of projects initiated after 2022, claiming that many of the ongoing projects were actually started before that, leaving the public frustrated. In response, MIC member Chhaya Thakur stated that seven projects, including those in Rahul Nagar, had been initiated. However, a brief altercation followed, which was quickly diffused by Chairman Suryavanshi.
In the end, the proposed budget for 2025-26 was put forward, with an estimated income and expenditure of Rs 3611.79 crore, reflecting a Rs 300 crore increase from the previous year.
Tax hike in the capital Bhopal
Property tax -10 percent,
Water tax -15 percent
Solid waste -15 percent
Announcements made by the Mayor
* Mayor Smart Pass will be started for city bus in Bhopal.
* Provision of Rs 400 crore for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
* Heritage entrance gate will be constructed in Bhopal. A provision of Rs 30 crore has been made in the budget for this.
* Provision of Rs 20 crore for the construction of Geeta Bhawan in the city.
* Provision of Rs 7 thousand 546 lakh under Amrit-2 scheme and Rs 60 crore for the construction of commercial complexes.
* Rs 3 crore for the conservation and promotion of ponds.
* Provision of Rs 32 crore for the construction of immersion ghats.
* Drains will be constructed for the drainage of water. A provision of Rs 11 crore for this.
* Under NDRF, Rs 200 crore will be spent on construction of drains.
* Rs 30 crore for road improvement.
* A provision of Rs 11 crore has been made for street lighting.
* A provision of Rs 10 crore has been made to improve beautification work.
* Rs 12 crore has been kept for beautification of main roads.
* A provision of Rs 30 crore has been made in the education cess head for construction and development work of schools.
* Rs 10,000 will be given to encourage girls and boys of corporation employees who get merit in class 10th and 12th.
