Raigarh Budget presenting exceeds Rs 480 crore projecting a surplus of over Rs 22 crore

Mayor Jeevardhan Chauhan on Monday presented the Budget for the financial year 2026-27 during the second Budget session of the current council of the Raigarh Municipal Corporation.

The Budget prioritises the holistic development of the city, the strengthening of infrastructure, and the expansion of civic amenities.

According to the presented budget, the Corporation’s total income is estimated at Rs 480.36 crore, while total expenditure is proposed at Rs 458.1179 crore. Consequently, the Corporation has set a target of achieving a surplus of Rs 22.2421 crore.

Under the revenue head, an income of Rs 92.74 crore and an expenditure of Rs 85.4974 crore have been proposed. Meanwhile, under the capital head, receipts of Rs 387.62 crore and an expenditure of Rs 372.6205 crore have been allocated. During the session, Commissioner Brajesh Singh Kshatriya provided detailed clarifications to address the questions and queries raised by councilors and public representatives regarding the Corporation’s budget. Prior to this, with the permission of Council Chairman Mr Degree Lal Sahu, Corporation Secretary RN Patel presented the proposals during the special session of the Council.

The special session was attended by members of the Mayor-in-Council (MIC), councilors, public representatives, Deputy Commissioner Sutikshan Yadav, Executive Engineer Amresh Lohia, and other officers and employees of the Corporation.

Proposal to Keep Property Tax Rates Unchanged Passed Unanimously.

As the second proposal of the special session, an agenda item regarding the retention of existing property tax rates was tabled. It was noted that there has been no increase in the Collector’s Guideline Rates from the year 2018–19 through 2025–26. Furthermore, [in accordance with] the Chhattisgarh Municipal Corporation Act. No order regarding an increase in property tax by the State Government under Section 133 of the 1956 Act has been received. The agenda was passed unanimously.

Review of Last Year’s Works. The Budget Speech highlighted that most of the development works proposed for the financial year 2025-26 have been completed, while the remaining works are in progress, and the tender process for some is currently underway.

Over the past year, numerous significant projects were undertaken, including the construction of roads, drains, bridges and culverts, waterways, water tanks, public lighting systems, the beautification of squares and intersections, and the development of sports grounds.

For the convenience of citizens, the ‘Johar Raigarh’ chatbot app has been launched, enabling residents to submit their grievances and suggestions from the comfort of their homes and avail themselves of facilities for their resolution.

Key Proposed Works for the Year 2026-27. The upcoming Budget proposes several significant projects for the city’s development. These include the upgradation and development of Balsamund Pond; the creation of an ‘Oxyzone’ (green zone) at the Kosabadi Center; the construction of 10 roads within the Municipal Corporation limits; the installation of dividers, drains, and footpaths, along with the beautification of squares and intersections; the upgradation and development of major routes — including Kabir Chowk; road upgradation from Chandni Chowk (via Raja Mahal) to the Circuit House; pipeline installation, lighting works, and garden development; the development of a sports ground in Bade Rampur; the construction and upgradation of Sanjay Market; the construction of a stage and pavilion at Ramlila Maidan; the conservation and beautification of Bhujbandhan Pond; the channelisation of the Marine Drive drain in Kewrabadi; the installation of high-mast lighting at Raigarh Stadium; and the construction of a truck parking and service area in Amlibhauna.

Mayor Jeevardhan Chauhan stated that this Budget has been formulated with the holistic development of the city in mind. He remarked, “Our objective is to develop Raigarh into a modern, clean, and well-equipped city.”

In this... The Budget places special emphasis on the citizens’ basic necessities: roads, water, lighting, and sanitation. Furthermore, with a view to promoting digital services, efforts are being made to connect directly with citizens through the ‘Johar Raigarh’ app.

In the times to come, all developmental projects will be completed in a time-bound manner. Budget Includes Adequate Provisions for the City’s Holistic Development — Chairman Sahu. Describing the Budget as both balanced and pro-people, Chairman Digri Lal Sahu stated that this Municipal Corporation budget has been formulated with a careful balance between income and expenditure, incorporating adequate provisions for the holistic development of the city.

The Council’s objective is to ensure that developmental works are carried out equitably across every ward and that citizens receive improved amenities.

The suggestions put forth by the councilors have been given due prominence in the Budget.

The city administration remains committed to making this budget even more effective. Finally, the budget presented by the Corporation was placed before the House, and the Accounts Officer was authorised to present detailed information regarding the financial figures.