Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 26: Mangaluru City Corporation has projected a revenue of Rs 741.25 crore and an expenditure of Rs 886.33 crore for the financial year 2025-26, with an estimated surplus of Rs 180.70 crore.

The budget was presented by Kadri Manohar Shetty, chairman of the standing committee on taxation, finance, and appeals, during a special meeting held at the Mangala Auditorium under the chairmanship of mayor Manoj Kumar on February 25.

For the upcoming fiscal year, revenue collections are expected from various sources, including Rs 5,500 lac from water tax, Rs 9,591.45 lac from property tax, Rs 460.43 lac from business licenses, Rs 2,500 lac from solid waste management cess, Rs 875 lac from road cutting and reconstruction fees, Rs 440 lac from underground drainage charges, Rs 539 lac from rent on markets, stalls, and other leases, Rs 402 lac from account transfer fees, Rs 2,481.85 lac from building permits and premium FAR, Rs 1,007 lac from betterment charges, and Rs 370 lac from advertisement tax. Additionally, a total grant of Rs 26,454.53 crore is expected from the central and state governments under various budget heads.

Key allocations in the budget:

• Rs 100 lac for accident insurance for SC/ST communities
• Rs 44 lac for public health protection
• Rs 90 lac for installing three CCTV cameras per ward
• Rs 20 lac for public toilet maintenance under the ‘Swachhateya Kade Namma Nade’ initiative
• Rs 56 lac for controlling stray dogs
• Rs 1,000 lac for installing solar panel boards under the PM Surya Ghar scheme
• Rs 35 lac for repairs of government schools under ‘Namma Hone’ initiative
• Rs 20 lac for celebrating the birth anniversaries of Brahmashree Narayana Guru and Bhagawan Shri Nityananda Swami
• Rs 10 lac for welfare of war veterans’ families under ‘Veera Yodhar Kalyana – Namma Kartavya, Namma Yodha’ initiative
• Rs 10 lac for Tulu language development under ‘Tulu Oripale’
• Rs 5 lac for science awareness programs under ‘Vijnani-Sujnani’ scheme
• Rs 45 lac for city greening initiatives
• Rs 6 lac for promoting Kambala
• Rs 10 lac for Yakshagana
• Rs 10 lac for financial aid to achievers in the field of arts
• Rs 3 lac for cultural and sports activities
• The financial aid limit under ‘Swacha Kuteera’ scheme increased to Rs 50,000
• Rs 10 lac for disaster relief
• Rs 40 lac for purchasing a JCB for the corporation
• Rs 500 lac for mayor’s bungalow and recreation club
• Rs 8 lac for child care center development
• Rs 75 lac per ward for area development

Focus on citizen-friendly governance

The budget prioritizes citizen-friendly administration and financial reforms, including enhancing revenue sources, strengthening environmental and water conservation efforts, improving basic infrastructure, completing ongoing projects, maintaining cleanliness, and emphasizing health and education. Special welfare programs for citizens have also been highlighted.

Smart City project funding

Under the Smart City initiative, Rs 930 crore was sanctioned for 57 projects and four PPP initiatives. Of these, 39 projects have been completed, eight are in progress, and 10 have received department grants. So far, Rs 916 crore has been released by the central and state governments, while an additional Rs 73.50 crore has been approved and will be disbursed to the Smart City Corporation.

Administrative reforms

New residential quarters have been constructed for permanent municipal employees in Jeppu and will be handed over soon. Approval has been received for the G4 category, which will be implemented this year. The ‘Siri’ health scheme for employees and the ‘Kutumba Mitra’ scheme for their families will also continue.

Priority will be given to collecting service charges from state and central government buildings and educational institutions exempt from property tax. A special revenue vigilance squad will be formed to detect resource leaks and enhance tax and non-tax revenue.

To ensure transparency in property tax collection, a team will conduct door-to-door surveys. Plans are also in place to construct ‘Pink Model’ public toilets at selected road junctions.

Deputy mayor Bhanumathi and commissioner Ravichandra Nayak were present during the budget session.