E-Paper
BJP firm on presenting budget on last day of house, admin seeks advice from state
PUNE As the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to present the budget for the year 2022-23 on the last day of the elected members’ tenure, the administration has sought advice from the state government
PUNE As the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to present the budget for the year 2022-23 on the last day of the elected members’ tenure, the administration has sought advice from the state government.
The standing committee chairman is firm on presenting the budget.
Municipal commissioner Vikram Kumar presented the draft budget on March 7. After the draft budget is presented, the standing committee chairman prepares the final budget, but this year the circumstances are extraordinary as the state election commission is unable to hold civic elections.
Standing committee chairman Hemant Rasane took legal advice and send a letter to the municipal commissioner. Rasane said, “The members’ tenure is getting over and the state has announced to appoint an administrator. As per legal provision standing committee is permanent and cannot get dissolved. The standing committee would remain in existence till the appointment of the new committee. So, we have planned to present the budget.”
As the standing committee chairman himself has given legal notice to the commissioner, the municipal secretary has sought advice from the state government.
The municipal secretary’s office said, “As per the provision, after commissioner’s draft budget is presented, the standing committee should call a meeting. The committee members need to empower the chairman to prepare the budget. The chairman should take at least seven days to prepare the budget and then present it. “
One of the senior officials said, “As per the legal provision, after the commissioner presented the budget on March 7, standing would need to empower the chairman. The seven days will be complete after March 14 and this is the last day of the elected members.”
Municipal commissioner Kumar said, “As the administration is appointed at many corporations, whatever may be rules are same for all corporations. Pune would not be an exception.”
