Delhi: SDMC budget promises CCTV cameras in every ward

Budget meeting

South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s budget meeting being held

All three municipal corporations of New Delhi have now presented their annual budgets. On Thursday, it was South Delhi Municipal Corporation's (SDMC) turn to present the budget. But for the richest of all three MCDs, SDMC's budget did not have any big announcement this year.

Among the major highlights of the budget was an estimated higher revenue from property tax, transfer fees and advertising fees. The corporation will also spend big time on CCTV cameras, which will be installed in every ward, and waste disposal.

According to the budget presented by the SDMC commissioner, the expenditure is estimated to be at Rs 5,437 crore this yearagainst an estimated revenue earning of Rs 5,467 crore. However, with no big announcements and focus on improving property tax collection, the budget brings few cheers to the residents.

On the other hand, the North and East Delhi municipal corporations made some big announcements for the residents in their budgets. In its budget, the North Delhi municipal corporation had proposed to increase councillors' ward development fund along with providing for a ward development office in every ward to provide fast redressal to residents' complaints.

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation made sure that the sanitation issues in their jurisdiction are all taken up. The corporation has also decided to work more towards increasing its revenues.

However, SDMC has proposed to increase the incentive amount given to the girl students from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. The corporation will also work on providing better moral education to the children and for the this, the civic body will spend upto Rs 25 lakh.

Moreover, 10 SDMC schools will will be equipped with sports academies, while primary schools will be refurbished with 6,000 dual desks. The civic body has also decided to have at least one smart school in every ward, along with a provision for supply of one fruit in mid-day meal.

The SDMC budget proposes to set up a Robotic Dinosaur museum and 5D theater system at Tagore Garden. As many as 40 science clubs will be established in primary schools and RK Puram school will have a new auditorium with a sitting capacity of 275.

EYES Rs 850 CR IN PROPERTY TAX

  • For the year 2019-20, the Property Tax collection has been proposed at Rs 850 crore. The Zonal Inspectors and assessing officers will be given financial incentives for extending property tax ambit.   
  • The civic body has proposed Rs 2 crore for installation of CCTV cameras in each ward. The civic body has also cleared decks to set up a C&D waste plant at Bakkarwala. In the same year, the IP pumping station will be revamped and it will be operated by solar energy. The corporation will also set up multi-level parking facilities at 20 different places. It will also set up seven wonder parks at Sarai Kale Khan.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The SDMC budget proposes to set up a Robotic Dinosaur museum and 5D theater system at Tagore Garden.   
  • As many as 40 science clubs will be established in primary schools.