Shimla Municipal Corporation to Present Third Budget, Outlay May Cross ₹250 Crore
The Congress-led Shimla Municipal Corporation will present its third annual budget on Friday. Mayor Surendra Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal will table the budget at 11:30 AM at Bachhat Bhawan. The Mayor has termed this year’s budget as “historic” and development-oriented.
From April, property tax, garbage collection charges, and water tariffs are expected to increase by 8–10 percent. Amid these hikes, citizens are keen to see how the civic body plans to provide relief.
Development Proposals
The budget is likely to include announcements for community halls, parking facilities, playgrounds, parks, wellness centres, and ward offices in every ward. Officials indicate that the total outlay may exceed ₹250 crore. The previous two budgets presented by the Mayor were ₹247.44 crore and ₹188 crore respectively.
A proposal to introduce three-wheeler services from ISBT to Chamiyana is also under consideration to offer affordable transport. Demands have also been raised for fresh zebra crossings at bus stops, a covered pathway to the Kanlog crematorium, and construction of new parking facilities.
Focus on Revenue Generation
With reduced income from building plan approvals, land-use changes, and other fees, the corporation may focus on new revenue sources. Proposals may include permitting 20–25 food vans to generate employment for youth and women, and developing parking projects under PPP mode.
BJP to Question Unfulfilled Promises
The BJP councillors are preparing to question the civic body over pending announcements from previous budgets, including e-cart services, a wonder park, 24-hour water supply, digital libraries, thematic parks, and an early warning system. The budget session may witness heated discussions.
Public Expectations
Residents have demanded separate clubs for senior citizens, measures to tackle monkey and stray dog menace, and relief from rising water and garbage charges. All eyes are now on how the municipal corporation balances development initiatives with public relief in its third budget.
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