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BMC to table 'supplementary budget'
In view of the forthcoming civic elections scheduled on February 1, the BMC would table a 'Supplementary Budget' which would be in force for four months, reports Naresh Kamath.
In view of the forthcoming civic elections scheduled on February 1, the BMC would table a 'Supplementary Budget' which would be in force for four months.
This effectively means that the regular BMC budget, which is tabled every February, would be postponed to July and the interim period, the civic body would spend according to the provisions outlined in the Supplementary budget.
This budget does not require the consent of the elected representatives and has to take the consent of the state government.
According to the BMC Act 125, it is mandatory on the part of BMC to present the regular budget before the Standing Committee before February 5. The Standing Committee after making amendments has to pass the same before the end of February. After this, the amended budget is presented before the General Body of the civic house which has to pass it before April 1.
Talking to HT, Sunil Prabhu, Leader of the BMC House said that the proposal has been sent to the state government. "Since there would be new corporators it would take time for them to acquaint to the system. The four months period gives them time to suggest amendments," defended Prabhu.
The similar kind of budget was tabled in 2002 during the last civic elections. The budget makes provisions for various important works which are necessary for the benefit of the city. The BMC is one of the richest civic body in Asia with an annual budget of approximately Rs 7000 crores.
However Opposition benches are not amused and have demanded tabling the regular budget. NCP corporator Ravindra Pawar says it would offer the officers dictatorial powers. "The present Standing Committee members could easily discuss the budget as they are members till the new committee is constituted. The administration would take any unilateral decisions," said NCP corporator Ravindra Pawar.
Email Naresh Kamath: Naresh.kamath@hindustantimes.com
