Better coordination among the various civic agencies, focus on improving revenue, administrative reforms and stress on environment conservation — the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) 2014–15 budget hopes to achieve these and more.
The budget with an outlay of Rs. 7,773.08 crore was presented on Monday by chairperson of Standing Committee for Taxation and Finance M.S. Shivaprasad.
The budget has envisaged better coordination among civic agencies, including BDA, BWSSB, BMTC and Bescom, by constituting a coordination committee comprising senior officials. The committee is expected to meet once a month to address issues pertaining to the individual departments.
Welfare schemesThat apart, the BBMP has earmarked Rs. 503.08 crore for various welfare schemes. Other than housing schemes for citizens from lower socio-economic backgrounds, the BBMP has proposed to extend financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 to around 20,000 autorickshaw drivers to install GPS-based electronic meters. This is to help provide security to passengers, especially women.
Eight welcome towers would be erected in eight different directions on a public-private partnership basis.
The BBMP will provide an ambulance for domestic animals to each zone at a cost of Rs. 1 crore.
Waste managementFor the first time, the BBMP has decided to extend 50 per cent concession on property tax for residents who live in the one km radius from dumping grounds.
Towards better solid waste management, the BBMP has proposed to set up recycling centres, composting units, segregation centres and bio-methanisation plants.
Ward grantsThe BBMP budget has increased ward grants. While each ward in old zones will get Rs. 3 crore, the wards in newly added areas will get Rs. 4 crore each. While the allocation under the city in-charge Minister’s discretionary grants has been increased to Rs. 350 crore, the BBMP has, this time around, not earmarked funds for the city MLAs. The Mayor’s grant continues to be Rs. 125 crore, while the Deputy Mayor’s grant is Rs. 25 crore.
To streamline administration and its finances, the BBMP has proposed several reforms including e-governance, road history, biometric attendance, media management training for councillors, upgrading of the integrated financial management system and paperless office system.
The budget discussions will be held from February 20, following which it will be approved and sent to the government.
