NMMC general body approves R2,680- crore annual budget

VASHI: The general body of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) approved an annual budget of Rs2,680.43 crore for 2013-2014. Following a day--long discussion on Monday, it revised the budget approved by the standing committee in February by Rs80 crore.

The municipal commissioner had presented a budget of Rs2,575.97 crore on February 20, which the standing committee later increased to Rs2,600.43 crore. The total hike in the budget is almost Rs105 crore.

The general body also increased the cess department target by Rs55 crore and that of the property tax department by Rs25 crore. It also discussed provisions for giving tablets to corporators, independent courts to deal with encroachment issues and other developmental works.

The general body also assured residents that there would be no increase in taxes as had been assured by the state and guardian minister Ganesh Naik.

Last year, the cess target was Rs500 crore and the administration has set a target of Rs800 crore for 2014, which the general body increased to Rs855 crore.

The target for last year’s property tax was Rs375 crore, which has been increased to Rs 485 crore this year.

Mayor Sagar Naik said, “The budget has been prepared and approved taking into consideration the all-round development of the city. We will ensure that tax targets are met and that planned projects are completed.”

“We will also try and give administrative approval to a majority of projects before the monsoon, so that work can begin as soon as the monsoon is over,” he added.