BMC Election 2022: Civic polls are going to be held in Mumbai soon and all the political parties are gearing up for it. Just the sheer size of the financial holdings of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) makes Mumbai civic poll look bigger in comparison to other states' municipal bodies poll.
BMC is the richest corporation in the country and its annual budget far exceeds the budget of small states of the country. Ahead of the BMC election 2022, let us recap the overall budget announced for running Mumbai's civic body.
Shiv Sena-ruled BMC presented an annual budget of Rs 45,949.21 crore for 2022-23 on February 3. This year's BMC budget witnessed an increase of 17.70% from BMC Budget 2021-22. In view of Covid-19, emphasis was laid on health in the budget, on the other hand, the focus was also on infrastructure.
On one hand, Shiv Sena is praising BMC budget 2022-23, the opposition is calling it just as a measure to woo voters ahead of civic polls.
Shiv Sena claims that in this budget, all the promises that the party made in its manifesto were fulfilled.
What Was Special About BMC Budget 2022-23
Tax exemption: Tax relief was given to the houses with an area of 500 square feet and less. 16 lakh 14 thousand citizens of Mumbai have been given relief in property tax. In view of the Covid-19 pandemic period, property taxes were not increased.
Many gifts for the health sector: Provision of Rs 2,660 crores has been made for Mumbai's health infrastructure. New Shiva Yoga Centre will be set up in Mumbai for the health of Mumbaikars. Provision of Rs 30 crores has been set aside for setting up of 200 centers.
BMC Budget 2022-23 Allocation For Other Sectors
- A provision of Rs 800 crores was made to salvage the cash-strapped Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST).
- Provision of Rs 10 crores to promote 'Ease of Doing Business'.
- Announcement of Rs 115 crores for the Zoological Park at Byculla.
- A provision of Rs 1576.66 crores has been made for the repair of old bridges/bridges and the construction of new bridges.
- A provision of Rs 526 crores has been made to make Mumbai flood-free and instrumental for rainwater harvesting.
- A provision of Rs 365 crores has been set aside to make Mumbai's fire brigade more efficient.