Pune Municipal Corporation’s Budget Likely Delayed Due To Absence Of Elected Representatives
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Pune: The absence of elected representatives in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has once again led to a delay in the presentation of the annual budget. The trend, initiated by former municipal commissioners, is expected to continue this year as well. The municipal administration has submitted a proposal to the standing committee seeking permission to present the budget for the 2025-26 financial year after the January 15 deadline.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has formally requested an extension, citing unavoidable circumstances. The standing committee will deliberate on the proposal in a meeting today, January 3, to decide whether to approve the delay. If accepted, the budget for the next fiscal year may be presented in the first week of March, similar to last year.
As per PMC’s general body resolutions, the commissioner is required to submit the budget to the standing committee by January 15. However, with the term of elected representatives ending three years ago, administrative officials have been managing the corporation’s operations. For the past two years, former commissioner Vikram Kumar deviated from the usual timeline and presented the budget after January 15, setting a new precedent.
The commissioner has attributed this year’s delay to the impact of the code of conduct for assembly elections, which slowed development work. Meetings with department heads are currently underway to finalize allocations and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposal to extend the budget timeline will be discussed in detail during today’s meeting, with a decision expected shortly.
