SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENT AND SANITATION

SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENT AND SANITATION

15-MARCH-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------The budget for the financial year 2026-27 was presented during a meeting of the Municipal Corporation by Mayor Indu Devi. The meeting was presided over by Mayor Indu Devi. Present on this occasion were Deputy Mayor Poonam Devi, Municipal Commissioner Anju Kumari, and Additional Municipal Commissioner Jamal Akhtar Ansari, along with councilors from various wards, councilor representatives, and Municipal Corporation employees. During the proceedings, a detailed discussion regarding the budget took place between the municipal administration and the councilors. The presented budget places special emphasis on strengthening basic amenities—such as overall urban development, sanitation systems, road construction, water supply, drainage construction, and street lighting.

According to Municipal Corporation sources, special provisions have also been made within the budget to accelerate development works across various wards. Adequate funds have been allocated by the Municipal Corporation to further empower sanitation drives, improve waste management systems, and expand civic amenities. The meeting was conducted by Mayor Indu Devi.

The total estimated revenue for the Municipal Corporation's financial year 2026-27 stands at ₹753,79,50,720. Provisions totaling an estimated ₹753,70,60,000 have been made. Thus, the budget reflects a surplus of ₹8,99,720. Notably, the Chief Minister's ambitious schemes related to urban local bodies have also been duly incorporated into this budget. Revenue receipts of approximately ₹625.05 crore are estimated to be received from the Central and State governments.

For the upcoming financial year, a target of ₹10 crore has been set for property tax collection. Meanwhile, the total estimated expenditure across various schemes is projected to be ₹482.10 crore. This includes specific allocations—primarily ₹10 crore for the purchase of new land, ₹5 crore for a market complex, and ₹1.70 crore for Ashok Bhawan. Additionally, provisions have been made for: ₹1 crore for night shelters; ₹1 crore for the construction of crematoriums and burial grounds; ₹5 crore for multi-storied housing for the urban poor; ₹2 crore for vending zones; ₹50 lakhs for libraries; ₹300 crore for road and drainage construction; ₹7 crore for water supply systems and the 'Jal Jeevan Hariyali' initiative; ₹20 crore for public lighting; ₹20 crore for the purchase of sanitation equipment and vehicles; and ₹8 crore for the procurement of dustbins.

Provisions have also been made for the establishment of public toilets and urinals at appropriate and convenient locations within the municipal area. Furthermore, acting upon the suggestions of Mayor Indu Devi and Municipal Commissioner Anju Kumari, this budget includes provisions for women's empowerment aimed at advancing women through education, self-reliance, and dignity; to this end, the Ara Municipal Corporation will establish training centers, technical education facilities, 'Pink Toilets' (women-exclusive restrooms), and healthcare counseling centers.

A provision has been made to allocate 26.67 percent of the available funds—amounting to approximately ₹201.06 crore—towards providing basic services for the urban poor. The meeting was attended by Ara Municipal Corporation Mayor Indu Devi, Deputy Mayor Poonam Devi, Municipal Commissioner Anju Kumari, Additional Municipal Commissioner Jamal Akhtar Ansari, all respected councilors and councilor representatives, as well as a large number of officials from the Municipal Corporation.