The Rs 2495.68 crore budget for 2020-21 for the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) was approved by Bhopal Divisional Commissioner, who is also the BMC administrator, here on Monday.

An amount of Rs 15 crore   has been allocated for Covid-19 control measures. No new tax, surcharge, consumer duty has levied in the budget.

BMC proposed a budget of Rs 2495.68 crore for the financial year 2020-21. BMC administrator and Bhopal divisional commissioner, Kavindra Kiyawat approved the budget recommended by BMC commissioner KVS Choudary. Earlier, in March, former divisional commissioner, had approved a provisional budget for three months for the civic body.

“We have not increased any taxes due to the pandemic. Focus is on completion of the on-going projects. Expected revenue has reduced by about Rs 400,” said Choudhary after the administrative budget was presented on Monday.

Getting back on track with seems to the indication from the BMC budget. 25.45 percent of the total budget has been allocated for the urban poor. BMC revenues have plummeted due to lock-down and COVID-19 pandemic. The budget stressed on measures to increase of income of the corporation and reduce necessary expenses. A special campaign is expected to launched to recover the outstanding dues. Priority has been given to complete the construction and other works budget. Special emphasis has been laid on the development and upgrading of gardens and libraries in the budget.

Keeping efforts for health and hygiene during the pandemic, a provision of Rs 243 crore has been made in the budget. It would also incorporate repair, purchase of vehicles under Swach Bharat mission.

A provision of Rs 39.74 crore has been made in the BMC budget for the year 2020-21 for the maintenance and development of the gardens, under which an amount of Rs 15 crore has been earmarked specifically for the gardens. A provision of Rs 5 crore has been made for the operation, maintenance and upgrading of the BMC run libraries.

In the budget, a provision of Rs 304.07 crore has been made for the engineering works under various heads. It would include construction of storm water drains and other civil works. BMC administration has made completion of these works a top priority.

Besides, a provision of Rs 170 crore has been made for the operation and maintenance of water supply. Lake conservation department would also get an additional Rs 46 crore for the preservation and maintenance of water bodies in the city of lakes.

A substantial sum of Rs 94.62 crore has been allocated for improving street lights in the state capital. Various agencies have pointed out the measure would reduce crime and improve women's safety.