BELGAUM: The budget estimates for 2005-06 showing a surplus of Rs. 44.82 lakhs and the revised budget estimates for 2004-05 were presented by Shataz F. Madiwale, chairman of the Standing Committee for Taxation, Finance and Appeals, here on Saturday. The Mayor, Vandana Belgundkar, presided over the meeting.

The budget of the Belgaum City Corporation promises better drinking water supply, drainage system and roads. The tax-payers, however, are little enthused and dub it as another bundle of false promises.

Though the corporation promises to improve drinking water supply, drainage, and roads every year, the fact remains that civic conditions are deteriorating and the water supply situation is worsening.

The most significant aspect of the budget is the move to borrow Rs. 100 crores for infrastructure development in the city from private sources (not defined). This is in addition to the Asian Development Bank grants.

Ms. Madiwale has proposed to increase the honorarium to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and corporators to Rs. 8,000, Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000 a month respectively. The sitting allowance will also be raised to Rs. 250 a day. The proposals will be implemented after obtaining concurrence of the Government.

The corporation expects to raise Rs. 4,209.80 lakhs revenue from all sources and spend Rs. 4,164.98 lakhs on various development and non-development works and welfare schemes.

It is expected that the property tax collection will touch Rs. 700 lakh mark this year, which is Rs. 275 lakhs more than previous year's collection.

The water cess demand has also increased from Rs. 465 lakhs (revised estimates for 2004-05) to Rs. 600 lakhs this year. The corporation expects to earn Rs. 50 lakhs from building permission fee, Rs. 30 lakhs from water augumentation, and Rs. 20 lakhs by giving a no objection certificate to HESCOM, and Rs. 50 lakhs through road cutting charges.

The budget estimates, apart from promising 24-hours water supply demo-zones, also proposes remodelling and streamlining of entire system under the Asian Development Bank aided scheme.

A sum of Rs. 225 lakhs on drainage and surface drains, and Rs.40 lakhs on laying new underground drainage lines will be spent.

While proposing to spend Rs. 15 lakhs on the maintenance of the existing gardens, another Rs.10 lakhs has been allotted to forming new gardens.

Ms. Madiwale proposed to spend Rs. 260 lakhs on maintenance and Rs. 50 lakhs on laying new roads.

Under the 18 per cent scheme, Rs. 100.36 lakhs will be spent for the welfare of people belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Of this, Rs. 25 lakhs has been earmarked for the construction of Ambedkar Bhavan.

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