North Corporation projected to be the poorest presents a budget with a big outlay

Bengaluru North City Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar presented the corporation’s first annual budget with a total outlay of ₹4,342.20 crore, prioritising infrastructure, health, and environment. This is the second biggest outlay among all the five corporations.

Given the corporation was projected to have the lowest property tax income base among the five corporations, it presenting a budget with an outlay bigger than the East Corporation that was projected to be the richest, has raised eyebrows. Though the large outlay is made possible by grants from the State and Union governments to the tune of ₹1039.53 crore, the corporation’s own revenues make up for three-fourths of the outlay.

While the Brand Bengaluru Committee estimated a property tax collection potential of ₹540 crore based on previous year’s collection, the corporation estimates it at ₹826.25 crore, which including cess and other related fees go up to ₹1112.99 crore.

The corporation also estimates a whopping ₹680 crore from B-Khata to A-Khata conversion fees and ₹420 crore from Premium FAR. In a bid to curb unauthorised advertising and flexes, the corporation has decided to impose a fine of twice the tendered amount. To boost revenue, the corporation has proposed on-street and off-street parking, with an expected revenue of ₹6 crore.

Road widening and pedestrian facilities

Much like the East and Central Corporations, the North Corporation also wants to revive road-widening projects. It has earmarked ₹17 crore for land acquisition for infrastructure projects to give a push to road-widening works. A 61.7% of budget outlay is allocated for infrastructure development. For ward-level development, the commissioner has allocated ₹2.25 crore per ward. Further, ₹10 crore has been allocated for the maintenance of storm-water drains.

SWM and environment

In a bid to address the garbage issue, which remains a major problem in the region, the corporation has also allocated over ₹290 crore for Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML). Further, it has allocated ₹12 crore for purchasing sweeping machines and ₹5 crore for litter-picking machines. It also plans to convert green waste into compost and sell it for ₹150 per kg.

Further, the corporation has allocated ₹40 crore for developing four lakes. Among them, Srinivaspura Lake and Mallasandra Gudde Lake will be developed comprehensively. Besides, the corporation has proposed reviving currently non-functional lakes, including Banaswadi Lake, Lingarajapura Lake, and Ramachandrapura Lake. The corporation has also proposed starting boating activities in lakes in its jurisdiction. Further, ₹20 crore has been allocated for undertaking works related to the climate action plan.

Housing

Commissioner Mr. Kumar said that they have earmarked ₹71.07 crore for housing scheme, of which 50% would be for the single house scheme and the rest 50% to provide houses through the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme. The corporation has also allocated ₹7.7 crore for establishing vending zones and providing e-vending vehicles to street vendors. Further, ₹1 crore has been allocated to provide financial assistance to athletes participating in national and international sports.

The budget also earmarks ₹73 lakh for the welfare of the transgender community, with the objective of providing one-time financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 to help them become self-reliant and pursue employment.