BMC headquarters
Mumbai: BMC House on Tuesday approved a proposal to increase the annual discretionary ward development fund from Rs 60 lakh to Rs 1 crore, a 67% increase, potentially paving the way for corporators across political parties to receive the enhanced allocation. The resolution proposal, moved by BJP corporator Ashwini Mate, will now be sent to BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide for her remarks.
BMC Proposal Awaiting Approval Amid Budget Concerns
The proposal for increasing the discretionary fund for corporators is pending a response from BMC chief Bhide, which is necessary before it can be submitted to the state government’s urban development department for final approval.
Mate has expressed concerns that the current allocation of Rs 60 lakh is insufficient due to rising inflation, increased costs of construction materials, and higher labor expenses. Both Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress have voiced their support for the proposed increase.
An official indicated that if Bhide approves the proposal and the allocation is raised to Rs 1 crore, corporators would benefit from a Rs 40 lakh increase in their discretionary fund.
Dhaval Shah from the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association emphasized that any expenditure by corporators should require approval from local citizen bodies, and funds should not be used for beautification purposes.