Civic budget is likely to be full of populist schemes

Indore: Preparations for upcoming budget of Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) have begun in full swing. Civic body authorities aim to present the budget in first week of March before imposition of model code of conduct for upcoming general elections.
They have already started discussion with superiors of various departments of IMC to finalize for budget estimates.
Experts said that apart from allocation for various development projects, IMC is expected to come out with some of populist schemes. Some projects that were part of the previous budgets such as sanction for improvement on water supply, road development of over 200km, redevelopment of squares, LED street lights under Smart City and AMRUT mission, are once again expected to find place in the budget for 2019-20 while several new announcements related to infrastructure development, 3R policy and beautification of crossing and roads may impress the voters in election year.
In last three years, allocation of funds for projects has increased by several times, but promises still remain on paper. Projects such as replacement of street lights with power saving LED lights, 24x7 water supply system, construction of new IMC building are expected to be incorporated in the budget once again. Officials said that mayor-in-council will approve outline of the budget and final budget will be drafted after making all allotment for funds to various departments. This year’s budget is expected to go over Rs5000 crore as against the previous year’s budget of Rs4800 crore, they said.
Officials said that though work for preparing budget layout has begun, final decision regarding official announcement of the budget is yet to be taken.
“A final decision regarding announcement of the budget would be taken after discussion with MIC members. We have already received a slew of suggestions from members,” said mayor Malini Gaud.