BMC estimates Rs 20K cr budget for 2009-10

Despite economic slowdown, BMC's budget estimates for 2009-10 have soared to a humungous Rs 19,931.54 crore as compared to Rs 16,792 crore budget last year.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided not to undertake fresh projects in this period of financial slowdown.

Speaking at a press conference in the BMC headquarters, Dr Jairaj Phatak, Municipal Commissioner said, "I agree there is a recession and projects have been delayed. We will give old projects priority. Our main source of income is from Octroi and it has been hit".

The BMC has decided to set up an Outcome advisory board and a cell at ward level, which will monitor and evaluate the ongoing projects. The BMC budget, will currently focus mainly on road, health, water projects, security and women welfare work.

This time, too, the BMC has managed a surplus budget by overcoming a brief slump in octroi and property tax collections, two of its major sources of revenue. Last year's surplus was Rs 92 crore.

The corporation will avail internal loans of Rs 3348.43 crore, about Rs 400 crore more than last year, to strengthen the financial support system for capital works.

Efforts have also been made to present a gender- and poor-friendly budget; there are special provisions of around Rs 10 crore for development of women and child welfare and those living below the poverty line can look forward to some relief.

"This is the first time we have tried presenting a gender-friendly budget. Part of the money will be used to set up welfare centres across the city for women," said an official.

A sum of Rs 400 crore has been set aside to upgrade overall security.
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The fire brigade is likely to get Rs 800 crore to buy advanced snorkels, cranes, fire engines, tankers, protective equipment and search-and-rescue material.