Mumbai Corporators Seek 67% Fund Hike to ₹1 Crore

Mumbai corporators are seeking a 67% hike in their annual ward development fund from ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore. The proposal, moved by BJP corporator Ashwini Mate, cites the city's growing population, escalating civic expenditure, and rising inflation as reasons for the increase.

The current allocation of ₹60 lakh is no longer sufficient to meet urgent ward-level needs, including road repairs, sanitation, and public toilets. The proposal highlights the sharp rise in material and labour costs, making it difficult to execute essential development works within the existing cap.

Sachin Padwal, senior corporator of Shiv Sena (UBT), supports the move, stating that the existing allocation is grossly inadequate. He notes that 18% GST and 14% BMC charges are deducted from the allocated amount, reducing the effective fund available for civic works.

The Opposition, led by Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi, also backs the proposal. Azmi states that the corporator fund is the only source available to the Opposition for carrying out civic works in their wards. He argues that increasing the allocation to ₹1 crore will make it a committed allocation, preventing arbitrary reductions.

The corporator fund was last increased in 2011 from ₹35 lakh to ₹60 lakh. Since then, there has been no revision, despite rising costs and increasing civic demands. The proposal is set to come up for approval in the BMC's next general body meeting.

The hike in the ward development fund is expected to benefit the city's 227 corporators, enabling them to effectively respond to the civic needs of their constituents. The increase will also help address the growing backlog of civic works, including road repairs and sanitation.

Mumbai's growing population and escalating civic expenditure have put a strain on the city's infrastructure. The proposed hike in the ward development fund is seen as a necessary step to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for citizens.

The BMC's general body meeting will discuss the proposal and decide on the allocation. If approved, the hike will come into effect, providing corporators with increased funds to tackle civic issues in their wards.

The demand for a hike in the ward development fund is not merely a demand for more money for corporators, but a demand for adequate funds for the people of every ward. The proposal has garnered support from across party lines, highlighting the urgency of the issue and the need for increased allocation.

In conclusion, the proposed hike in the ward development fund is a crucial step towards addressing the civic needs of Mumbai's citizens. The increase will enable corporators to effectively respond to the growing demands of their constituents, improving the overall quality of life in the city.