Aurangabad Municipal Budget 2024-25: Revenue, Spending and Development Priorities for Aurangabad Elections
The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC), formerly known as Aurangabad Municipal Corporation, presented its annual budget for 2024-25 totaling over Rs 4,000 crore. This budget outlines revenue sources, expenditure allocations, and key development initiatives, which are likely to influence the upcoming municipal elections in the city.
Revenue Projections: A Balanced Mix of Own Sources and Grants
The budget estimates CSMC’s own income at Rs 1,675 crore, supplemented by Rs 2,685 crore in government grants and Rs 1 crore from previous balances, bringing the total to more than Rs 4,000 crore. Property tax remains a cornerstone, projected at Rs 400 crore, with an additional Rs 200 crore expected from recovery of outstanding dues. These figures reflect efforts to strengthen local revenue collection amid expanding urban needs.
Other significant own revenue streams include Rs 12 crore from rents on CSMC estates, Rs 65 crore from the 15th Finance Commission share, and Rs 39 crore in special government grants. The Gunthewari scheme for regularization charges contributes Rs 50 crore, while water tax is anticipated to generate Rs 150 crore. Town planning activities are budgeted to yield Rs 297 crore, highlighting the role of urban development permissions in fiscal planning.
Government grants form the largest external support at Rs 1,600 crore in special allocations, underscoring the corporation’s reliance on state funding for major projects. This revenue structure aims to address the needs of the city’s approximately 18 lakh residents, shifting from ward-centric to citizen-focused budgeting under recent administrative oversight.
Expenditure Breakdown: Prioritizing Infrastructure and Welfare
On the spending side, the budget allocates substantial funds across ongoing and new projects. Rs 704 crore is earmarked for new development works, Rs 257 crore for completing legacy projects, Rs 295 crore for fresh ventures, and Rs 57 crore for ward-wise initiatives. These provisions indicate a comprehensive approach to urban renewal.
Major capital expenditures include Rs 150 crore for constructing an administrative building and Rs 250 crore for a commercial complex at the old Central Octroi Naka site. Contributions to government schemes stand at Rs 85 crore, supporting broader state initiatives. Infrastructure projects feature prominently, such as Rs 10 crore for a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Rs 15 crore for a flyover at Railway Station MIDC, and Rs 10 crore for vehicle purchases by the mechanical section.
Development Priorities: Health, Welfare, and Inclusivity
Social welfare receives targeted funding, with Rs 11 crore for women and child schemes and Rs 1 crore for transgender welfare programs. Health infrastructure upgrades are allocated Rs 10.60 crore, addressing essential public health needs in a growing urban population.
The budget’s emphasis on citizen-centric planning marks a departure from earlier ward-focused allocations. Under the administrator’s guidance, preparations considered the challenges faced by 18 lakh residents, including water supply, sanitation, and traffic management. Key projects like the STP and flyover aim to mitigate longstanding issues such as flooding and congestion, particularly in industrial and tourist-heavy areas.
Aurangabad, now spanning 175.65 sq km with a population exceeding 11.75 lakh as per recent estimates, benefits from its position as a tourism hub near Ajanta and Ellora caves and a center for small and medium industries. The budget aligns with the Aurangabad Master Plan 2042, promoting sustainable growth through planned land use and infrastructure.
Implications for Aurangabad Elections
As municipal elections approach, this budget serves as a key campaign reference. Parties will likely debate the feasibility of revenue targets, especially property tax recovery and Gunthewari collections, amid resident concerns over tax burdens. Expenditure on high-visibility projects like flyovers and commercial complexes could appeal to voters seeking economic opportunities, while welfare allocations for women, children, and transgenders highlight inclusive governance.
Critics may question the balance between capital-intensive infrastructure and basic services like water and health. The shift to holistic budgeting could be a point of contention, with opposition groups arguing for greater ward-level focus. Success in executing projects such as the STP and administrative building will test administrative efficiency, influencing voter sentiment.
Overall, the Rs 4,000 crore budget positions CSMC to tackle urban challenges while fostering development. With 115 wards under its jurisdiction, governed by the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, the corporation’s performance will shape electoral narratives around fiscal prudence and delivery.
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