Increased allocation for wards and zones, training for girl students to face challenging situations, a special committee to look into ways to improve quality of education, underground drainage and storm water drain schemes for the 40 wards that fall under added areas were a few of the highlights of the Corporation Budget for 2013-14.
Short of big announcements and major schemes, the Mayor S.M. Velusamy’s special address contained announcements that were already in public domain – skywalks, schemes to replace drinking water supply pipeline in Vadavalli - Kavundampalayam and Kurichi, replacement of streetlights with energy-efficient ones in added areas, scheme roads and Zero Waste Management (Shunya) scheme.
His address also contained proposals for 11 scheme roads, parks, solar power generation among others.
At the afternoon session for discussing the Budget, AIADMK Councillors read the announcements in the Budget to say how good they were for the city. The Opposition Councillors had boycotted the session following a clash among councillors earlier in the day.
Singai S. Balan (Ward 62) said the tax-free budget was a welcome one, the Budget announcements was in line with the Chief Minister’s vision for the State and would serve as an example for others. Ward 39 Councillor P.K. Rajendran said the Corporation should encourage private players to install solar power panels on their premises and extend tax concession if they did so.
Ward 44 Councillor Venthamarai S. Balu said the Mayor lauded the budget. Education Committee Chairperson R. Shanthamani said the move to train students in yoga was welcome.