Buoyed by an increase in property tax collections, MCG has set a budget of Rs 1220 crores for the year of 2017-18. A major part of the budget has been allocated for improving the current sewage system in the city, construction of roads and installation of LED streetlights.
A sizable amount has also been set aside for maintenance of the HUDA sectors that have been recently taken over by MCG. With a large number of illegal settlements cropping up, the MCG officials have highlighted that the 18-page budget will look into regularization of these colonies.
Based on reports, around Rs 200 crores has been allotted for road construction while Rs 25 crores have been set aside for improvement of the sewage system in the city. Rs 30 crores are tagged for installation of LED streetlights and Rs 50 crores for maintenance of HUDA sectors.
As per MCG officials, the body plans to obtain a large amount of its revenue from stamp duty collections which is pegged at Rs. 1221 crores. For the property tax collections, the officials have set a target of Rs 286 crores. Through advertisements, it plans to rope in over Rs 100 crores.
The budget has been sent to the state government for approval. Already being delayed, senior MCG officials have highlighted that the approval of budget from the state Government is expected to arrive in a week's time.
With the elections in MCG due, former MCG councillors critiqued the budget by highlighting that there was no participation of the councillors.
"This is a budget that has been prepared by senior bureaucrats. Had the councilors participated in the making of the budget, it would have been more comprehensive and have taken a more holistic view of city's needs," said Yashpal Batra formed MCG councillor.