Pune Municipal Budget May Be Advanced Due To Lok Sabha Elections: Preparations Underway
Pune, 19th September 2023: In anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for March-April, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is considering an early presentation of its municipal budget this year. Various departments have already initiated preparations to ensure the budget’s readiness, possibly by December, aiming to circumvent administrative complexities that could arise due to the upcoming elections.
The Municipal Corporation’s comprehensive budget, encompassing revenue, capital income, and expenditure plans, is crafted by the administration. In January, the Municipal Commissioner submits the draft budget to the Standing Committee, which, in turn, proposes amendments before presenting it to the General Body (GB). Following approval by the GB, budget implementation typically commences in April.
Commissioner Vikram Kumar has been overseeing Municipal Corporation affairs in an administrative capacity for the past year and a half due to delayed municipal elections. Under his leadership, both the Standing Committee and the GB meetings have been conducted. With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections expected to occur in March-April, indications suggest they will take place as scheduled. Consequently, the code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections may be enforced in February, potentially obstructing the municipal budget process. To avert such administrative hurdles, the 2024-25 budget is likely to be presented in the first week of December or January.
Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Vikram Kumar has also acknowledged this possibility. A meeting within the Municipal Corporation will be convened after the conclusion of Ganeshotsav to deliberate further on this matter. Heads of all municipal departments have commenced preparations in anticipation of the budget presentation in December. This includes gathering information on new projects, schemes, and progress on ongoing projects. Officials have been instructed to compile data on expenditure incurred and expected expenses in the current fiscal year, with a comprehensive review of the first six months’ income and expenditure.
By advancing the municipal budget presentation, Pune Municipal Corporation aims to ensure uninterrupted administrative processes during the crucial Lok Sabha election period.
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