PCMC presents Rs 5,298-cr annual budget

Putting more focus on development projects, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh — who also serves as the administrator — on Tuesday presented a Rs 5,298-crore annual Budget 2023-24, proposing no hike in water or property tax. The total Budget amount stands at Rs 7,127 crore, including the state and central government schemes.

Presenting his first Budget as the administrator at the civic Standing Committee hall, Singh — who presided the meeting as there is no elected body of corporators — said he focuses on ensuring better road connectivity and medical facilities, and uplifting the education quality imparted by civic schools. “All-round development of the city is our main focus. The Budget tries to address most spheres of the citizens life… be it roads, water, drainage, education, health or river pollution,” Singh said.

“When it comes to urban planning, Pimpri-Chinchwad is not only ahead of Maharashtra, but in the country as well. However, we need to take into consideration the social and cultural fronts to make the city an ideal one. A citizen should be the central focus while planning the city’s development… citizens expect better civic amenities. This is a challenge for the PCMC now and for the future as well… We also have the challenge of striking a balance between the needs and aspirations of different sections of the society. Efforts are being made to make the city an all-inclusive one, and strong from the liveability index. PCMC is committed to work for a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, information technology equipped, sports and cultural city,” Singh said.