NDMC: No property tax hike in Rs 463.40 crore surplus Budget
New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Keshav Chandra on Wednesday presented a surplus Budget for the financial year 2025-26, projecting a net surplus of ₹463.40 crore. The total receipts for the year are expected to touch ₹5,770.60 crore, marking a substantial rise from ₹5,319.75 crore in the revised estimates of the current fiscal.
In his Budget speech, Chandra outlined the council’s commitment to sustainable urban growth, announcing a projected expenditure of ₹5,307.20 crore for the upcoming fiscal year. He highlighted that the total receipts for the year include ₹5,100.32 crore in revenue receipts, an increase from ₹4,730.31 crore in 2024-25, alongside ₹670.28 crore in capital receipts. The Budget also prioritises the development of essential civic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, and green infrastructure; while not increasing property taxes
which is its major source of revenue generation.
Chandra noted that NDMC aims to continue its focus on urban renewal and improving the quality of life for residents through key projects. “This Budget reflects our ongoing efforts to transform New Delhi into a sustainable, safe, and inclusive city. We are investing in cleaner, greener technologies, while also addressing the needs of our most vulnerable communities,” he said.
One of the major initiatives in the 2025-26 Budget is the provision of 24x7 clean water supply across the NDMC area, along with plans for slum development. The Budget allocates funds to upgrade slum infrastructure, to ensure that marginalised communities benefit from improved living conditions, sanitation, and access to clean water.
The Chairman also emphasised the continued commitment to 100 per cent renewable energy, with NDMC aiming to become the first municipal body in India to achieve this
goal by December 2026.
He confirmed that NDMC will enhance solar energy adoption in municipal buildings and encourage residents to install rooftop solar grids.
A major innovation in the Budget is the proposal for a night-sweeping program in the city. This initiative aims to ensure that sanitation workers have adequate time and space to clean public areas without disrupting daily activities. The pilot project, which started in Khan Market, will be extended across the entire NDMC area.
“We aim to introduce a night cleaning program to ensure maximum efficiency in our sanitation efforts. This program will reduce disruptions to business activities and ensure public spaces are clean and ready for use every day,” said Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice-Chairman of NDMC.
In another significant move, the Budget includes the installation of mist spray systems on electrical poles to combat dust pollution and further enhance the city’s environment. This project is part of NDMC’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
Additionally, the Budget proposes the installation of 6,181 tablets for students across NDMC and Navyug Schools, aiming to improve digital literacy and modernise the education system. Infrastructure upgrades will also be made to schools, including the conversion of Navyug School, Pandara Road into a model school.
NDMC has also outlined plans for Gole Market redevelopment and setting commissions for project monitoring. This includes upgrading market infrastructure with sustainable features, introducing
energy-efficient lighting, and ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.
To further enhance security, the council plans to install 251 additional CCTV cameras in NDMC schools and other key locations. In collaboration with Delhi Police, a Safe City Project will also be launched, sharing live CCTV footage to improve public safety.
Chandra concluded by expressing his vision for the future: “Together, we will set new benchmarks in municipal governance, ensuring that New Delhi becomes a model city for sustainable urban living. Our initiatives will promote growth, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.” The Budget session was attended by key stakeholders, including Bansuri Swaraj, MP-New Delhi; Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice-Chairman; Virender Singh Kadian, MLA & Member NDMC; and other council members, including Anil Valmiki, Sarita Tomar, and Dinesh Pratap Singh. The meeting was also attended by
Tariq Thomas, Secretary NDMC, and Financial Advisor Aravind Chandran.
