Being the last in the line, despite the real interest it should normally provide to all Bengalureans, even the local media could give only a matter-of-fact report on the BBMP budget, which was presented in the Council by the Chairman, Standing Committee on Taxation, on March 17. Whatever be the reasons, and other competing news items overshadowing the event, let us look into it, especially since the possible division of the Mahanagara Palike will be showcasing only smaller budgets for the prospective areas coming under the new ‘mini’ Palikes.
Financial outlayThe estimated receipts are Rs. 6,729.62 crore and the proposed expenditure is Rs. 6,728.98 crore. As in the past, the major source of funds is Rs. 2,000.25 crore by way of property tax and the expected grants from the State govt total up to Rs. 2,902.29 crore. The non-tax receipts stand at Rs.844.64 crore, cess at Rs. 480 crore, and revenue from town planning is projected at Rs. 237.5 crore.
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Major programmes listed in the BBMP budget:
1. Infrastructure like roads, widening of eight major roads, and
development of newly added areas under ‘nagarothana’ - Rs 1,000 crore
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2. Welfare programmes - Rs. 401 crore.
3. Laying of optical fibres – Rs. 333 crore
4. Health mission – Rs. 105.08 crore
5. Lakes development – Rs. 103 crore
6. Horticulture – Rs. 76.56 crore
7. Development of new markets - Rs. 75 crore
8. Afforestation including green belt around the city - Rs. 41.52 crore
9. Solid waste management under the Swach Bengaluru programme - Rs. 30 crore.
In the event of non-implementation of any allocation, the bifurcated units may have to either lose the allocation, or get it transferred to future budgets of new administrative units. However, if the new outfits have to form real-time growth-oriented budgets, especially for the city’s outskirts, which might not have received adequate push in the past, it will be a great challenge to garner adequate resources.
One major issue will be the contiguity in development programmes like roads, drainages and even water supply. It may be tough to coordinate with other agencies such as BWSSB. One option can be the setting up of a central co-ordination and development agency. The National Highway Authority can be asked to handle the development of arterial roads, which is the key to growing transport systems.
Traffic management will be another major issue. Budgeting for these programmes without an apex level planning and co-ordinating machinery may lead to isolated development plans which may defeat the very purpose of such programmes.
No ideal parallels can be drawn. Yet, Mumbai, with Navi Mumbai development agency or the National Capital Region (NCR), with Gurgaon, NOIDA etc., can be role models. A research and development wing for the integrated development of the entire metro may be required in which the chief executives of each unit can be members.
Local body budgetingThe local bodies are in fact, mini States, though they do not have the powers of the State. Mostly, the local bodies depend on the State for their funds by way of grants and project-based allocations. However, the local bodies have the power to raise revenues for maintenance and upgradation of infrastructure.
There is always scope for strict financial management and this is what we should not lose sight of in the proposed bi/trifurcation.