Pune: Ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) budget announcement, several MLAs and former corporators submitted proposals totaling ₹30,000 crore for development projects in their respective constituencies. However, PMC only approved essential and feasible projects, worth approximately ₹275-300 crore.
Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, while presenting the budget, emphasized that it focuses on sanitation, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring that available funds are used efficiently.
Key Highlights of the Budget:
No increase in property tax despite revenue challenges
₹545 crore targeted from Local Body Tax (LBT) recoveries
Projected revenue growth from GST, stamp duty, and construction fees
Alternative revenue sources like mobile tower fees to offset losses from the 32 merged villages, where property tax collection remains halted
Ongoing Projects Limit New Developments
While the 2024-25 budget saw a 22% increase, the upcoming budget has only an 8% increase, which PMC considers a natural growth rate.
A significant portion of funds has been allocated to previously launched projects, restricting new developments:
₹5,524 crore for capital works
₹2,288 crore reserved for ongoing projects
Only ₹3,236 crore available for new projects
"Public representatives requested projects worth ₹30,000 crore. As an administrator, I had to acknowledge their demands. However, we have only included projects that are necessary and practical in the budget."
– Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, PMC Commissioner