Many firsts in this BMC budget

* Bringing in the first outcome based budget, the BMC has developed a set of performance indicators for all major departments. A Monitoring and Evaluation cell in all departments along with an Outcome Advisory Board will oversee the planning, budgeting and expenditure monitoring of the different departments. For example, indicators and key targets for Storm Water Drainage department would be achieving zero flooding during the monsoon, zero vector-borne diseases and international standards in cleaning. For the roads department, the main task is to provide aesthetic road infrastructure, road transportation speed, reduced accident rates, etc. The water supply department must ensure potable water 24 X 7 to 100 per cent city population with zero contamination levels

* In a first, the largest revenue earner, the octroi department, estimates NO rise in revenue for the year 2009-10. Last year’s revised estimates for octroi collections was Rs 4,300 cr. The projection for collections in 2009-10 is also Rs 4,300 crore. Last year’s growth rate of 21 per cent in Octroi collections has now reduced to 12 per cent

* Highest internal loan from deposits and provident fund, accounting for Rs 3,348 crore. Last year’s internal loan of Rs 2,243 crore remained unused. Maximum tapping of funds from accumulated surplus this year, accounting for Rs 1,194 crore

* Establishment costs including salaries of over 1 lakh employees now up from 47 per cent to 53 per cent of operating expenditures. The rise is owing to the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission’s recommendations. Establishment expenses are now Rs 5,964 crore, up from Rs 3,762 crore in 2008-09. Reforms mandated by JNNURM require a civic body to curtail establishment costs to 40 per cent

* First gender budget presented, Rs 42 lakh proposed in various projects for women

Mumbai facelift

* Rs 300 crore for developing Mumbai as a tourist spot: Includes expenditure on heritage walks in selected areas, a cycle track along Irla nullah, a Mangrove Wetland centre, a Hutatma Smarak for martyrs, a Sanyukta Maharashtra Smarak wax museum, the beach nourishment project, beautification of Chimbai and Worli beaches, development of Haji Ali promenade, beautification of Sion fort, upgradation of playgrounds, development of children’s parks and conservation of historical statues and fountains.

* Rs 2 crore for new staff quarters for high ranking officers at Worli

* Rs 18 crore for upgradation of the Civic Training Institute and Research Centre

* Rs 4 crore for a Satellite Training Centre at Powai

* Rs 1 crore for the implementation of various self-employment schemes

* Reward to property tax payers whose children secure more than 90 per cent in SSC or HSC exams

URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/recession-budget-from-bmc-no-new-plans-no-tax-hikes/418976/2

URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/recession-budget-from-bmc-no-new-plans-no-tax-hikes/418976/3