BMC Budget 2023: From Rs 30 crore to Rs 250 crore, civic body increases its gender budget by 8 fold

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The Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Saturday presented the BMC budget 2023-24. While the budget was made under the guidance of Eknath Shinde-led government, this is the first time in 27 years, the budget did not reflect on any of the development plans of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Besides general development, health and education, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also made an announcement of a gender budget to support the economically weaker sections, women, differently abled, senior citizens, and transgenders.

This year, BMC has increased its gender budget by 8 fold from Rs 30 crore to Rs 250 crore.

Key highlights from the gender budget:

Following various schemes are being included in the gender budget with a view to the economic and social empowerment of women in the year 2023-24.

Women Self Help Group Scheme:

To increase the number of women's Self Help Groups (SHG) and to improve their financial strength.

Through collective participation, a provision of Rs 11.65 crore has been made. Per SHGs subsidy has been increased to a maximum of Rs 50,000. BMC will grant loan subsidies to the SHGs on interest above 7pc for carrying out their business.

Support center of women's SHG groups, arrangement and maintenance of shelters for the homeless living on the streets, a provision of Rs 11.88 crore has been made.

Also Read: BMC budget: Civic body focuses on NCDs; 9 pc drop in health sector

Financial Scheme for Women

Under the scheme of financial assistance for the empowerment of women, a provision of Rs 100.91 crore has been made. It has also included schemes such as financial assistance for applying to foreign VISA and required permissions. This scheme is applicable to destitute women, girls/ women pursuing higher education, etc. Financial assistance for the purchase of e-bikes and e-rickshaws has been added for the self-employment of women.

Women's Training Scheme

Under this training scheme, a provision of Rs 6.44 crore has been made. The women will be trained in computer, marketing, stock market, stitching and karate.

Financial Scheme for differently abled

Under the scheme of financing differently-abled persons, a provision of Rs 25.32 crore has been made. The schemes include free travel by BEST buses, financing for purchase of scooters, financing for the purchase of machinery for self-employment and one-time funding for senior differently-abled persons.

Financial Scheme for Transgenders

Under this scheme, a provision of Rs 2 crore has been made. This includes funding for skill development and training of transgenders.

Financial Scheme for Senior citizens

Under this scheme a provision of Rs 11.35 crore has been made. This includes funding for the purchase of various equipment and leisure facilities to aid the entertainment centers of senior citizens.