PCMC Unveils Ambitious Rs 8,676.80 Crore Budget for 2024-25; No Hike in Property and Water Tax – See the Details Here!

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri, 20th February 2024: Against the backdrop of the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the administrators of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have presented the budget for the financial year 2024-25. Notably, there is no rise in property tax and water tax. The announced overall budget is Rs 8,676.80 crore, while the original budget is Rs 5,841.96 crore. This overall budget includes schemes sponsored by both the central government and Maharashtra State Government. In comparison to the previous year, the budget has seen a significant growth of Rs 1,548.92 crore, with a balanced budget of Rs 5.25 crore.

Features of PCMC Budget:
– ₹1,863 crores for developmental projects.
– ₹190 crores for the operation of 8 zonal offices.
– ₹1,031 crores 79 lakhs for the implementation of special construction schemes.
– ₹1,898 crores for initiatives aimed at uplifting the urban poor.
– ₹61 crores 58 lakhs for various programs benefiting women.
– A sum of ₹65 crores 21 lakhs for schemes catering to disabled persons.
– An allocation of ₹269 crores 89 lakhs for water supply initiatives.
– A corresponding ₹269 crores 89 lakhs for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML).
– ₹100 crores for land acquisition purposes.
– A provision of ₹50 crores for the Smart City initiative.

Since March 13, 2022, the Municipal Corporation has been under administrative rule. On Tuesday, Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Praveen Jain presented the budget to Administrator Shekhar Singh, which was promptly approved. The occasion was attended by Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale, Vijaykumar Khorate, and Ulhas Jagtap.

The budget anticipates a modest revenue of Rs 1 crore from Local Self-Government Tax (LBT). A substantial subsidy of Rs 2,391 crore is expected under Goods and Services Tax (GST). Furthermore, projections include Rs 1,050 crore from Property Tax, Rs 135 crore from interest on investments, Rs 95 crore from water supply, and Rs 950 crore from the building permit department. The anticipation is that central and state government grants will contribute Rs 333 crore and 46 lakhs, capital reserves will provide Rs 750 crore, and other departments will contribute Rs 135 crore and 25 lakhs to the overall budget.

On the expenditure side, the budget allocates funds as follows:

– General Administration: Rs 1,399.52 crore
– Planning and Regulation: Rs 153.24 crore
– Public Works: Rs 1,771.77 crore
– Health: Rs 391.55 crore
– Sanitation and Solid Waste Management: Rs 530.40 crore
– Civic Facilities: Rs 661.43 crore
– Urban Forestry: Rs 280.73 crore
– Urban Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare: Rs 209.05 crore
– Other Services: Rs 304.25 crore
– Revenue Expenditure: Rs 130.06 crore

A budget allocation of Rs. 1,450 crore has been earmarked for various development initiatives. This includes Rs. 125.87 crore for electricity infrastructure, Rs. 374 crore for water supply, Rs. 80 crore for environmental projects, Rs. 128.7 crore for the welfare of backward classes, Rs. 50.75 crores for sports development, Rs. 111.65 crore for women’s empowerment, and Rs. 65.21 crore for initiatives benefiting the disabled. Furthermore, a separate provision of Rs. 100 crore has been set aside for land acquisition. The proposed projects under public-private partnerships encompass the development of urban streets, a city centre in Chinchwad, an international standard sports complex in Moshi, and the BOT development of the Annasaheb Magar Stadium. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure and contribute to the overall progress of the region.

In the approaching fiscal year, PCMC is set to revitalize previous initiatives, encompassing the rejuvenation of City Center (Chinchwad Station), the establishment of a New Hospital (Moshi), the development of a Sports Complex (Moshi), the construction of a Cancer Hospital (Thergaon), the Construction of Main Administrative Building (Chinchwad), the establishment of a Central Fire Station (Pimpri), and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Pimpri, Akurdi, and Borhadewadi. Additionally, a Badminton Complex in Wakad is also part of the comprehensive reinvention agenda.

PCMC is set to leverage ‘Social Impact Bonds’ to enhance public health services, focusing on fortifying healthcare infrastructure, empowering healthcare personnel, and elevating the standard of health facilities. The initiative encompasses the refurbishment of wards in YCM Hospital, the implementation of Nursing Courses, the enhancement of Jijau Clinic, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, and Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana. Furthermore, there are plans for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Cancer Hospital in proximity to Thergaon Hospital, as well as the establishment of a 30-bed burn ward in the old Talera Hospital. Additionally, the introduction of a Post Graduate Diploma (DNB) course is planned in Akurdi, similar to the model of the 200-bedded hospital at New Talera, Thergaon, and Bhosari Hospital.

In addition to these initiatives, PCMC is poised to undertake a multitude of projects aimed at the overall development of the city. A comprehensive plan is in place, and PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh has expressed confidence in his team of officers, assuring that they will effectively implement and execute these projects. The commitment to these endeavours reflects a strong determination to foster the growth and progress of the city.