BMC likely to present budget of over Rs 21,000 crore tomorrow

Mumbai, Feb 3 (PTI) The local civic body is likely topresent a surplus budget of over Rs 21,000 crore tomorrow withthe focus on bigger ongoing projects regarding roads, healthand storm water drains.

According to official sources, this year''s budget willbe over Rs 21,000 crore against last year''s budget of Rs20,417 crore.

The budget for the year 2011-12 will be tabled beforethe standing committee tomorrow.

With the Maharashtra Government approving Rs3,000-crore internal loan, the BMC will be able to execute itsseveral ongoing projects including the BRIMSTOWAD, Pinjal Dam,pothole filling, sewage treatment plants, storm water drains,dumping grounds, repairs of primary health centres andup-gradation of civic dispensaries.

On the revenue front, it is expected that the octroicollection should rise by about 25 per cent. The developmentcharges would see a rise of about 20 per cent. Last year therevenue from development charges was estimated at Rs 1,278crore.

With an eye on 2012 civic polls, no new taxes would beimposed, sources said, adding, that the development fund,amounting to Rs one crore, which is given to each corporatorto carry out development work in the ward, is likely to bediscontinued.