HYDERABAD: A `performance based budget' for 2007-2008 with a total outlay of Rs. 1,083.42 croreS with hefty allocation for development of slums (Rs. 128 crore) has been passed by the general body of Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad at its 10th special meeting on Tuesday.

Mayor Teegala Krishna Reddy presented the budget estimates for the forthcoming financial year and also revised estimates for 2006-2007. The outlay was initially prepared for Rs. 1,078.17 crores but was increased to Rs. 1,083.42 crores (Rs.1018.59 crores last year) on Standing Committee recommendations.

Highlights of budget estimates are property tax collection of Rs. 250 crores, revenue income of Rs. 614 crores, revenue expenditure of Rs. 425.87 crores, revenue surplus of Rs. 188.65 crores, capital receipts/expenditure of Rs. 632 crores, maintenance of roads, parks, stadia of Rs. 185.74 crores, etc.

While the Majlis and Congress corporators patted themselves and officials for a `wonderful' budget, BJP and TDP corporators thought otherwise and put things in a different perspective.

Increased allocations under capital expenditure is for bridges and flyovers - Rs. 85 crores (Rs.82 crores last year), roads and pavements - Rs. 162.50 crores (Rs.157 crores), storm water drains - Rs. 85 crores (Rs.77.50 crores), streetlighting - Rs. 28 crores (Rs. 15.75 crores) besides urban community development - Rs. 128 crores (Rs.98.70 crores).

MCH has projected rise in revenue income from entertainment tax, profession tax, compensation for motor vehicle tax, etc., to the tune of Rs. 194.77 crores (Rs.185.90 crores), fees and user charges Rs. 120.41 crores (Rs.114.80 crores).

The Standing Committee has recommended hike in property tax from Government properties, trade licensing fee, bulk garbage collection, pre-paid parking fee, advertisement fee, sanitation expenses, roads maintenance and so on totalling to Rs. 5.25 crore.

BJP floor leader Shyam Sundar said it was not a performance based budget since last year's allocations were not spent properly in many areas. The MCH failed to live up to its ambitious promises by not spending either on road works or in social sector like slums development.

CPI (M)'s Rajya Sabha MP P. Madhu said the budget appeared to be oriented towards the well-to-do ignoring the poor. It reflected in the works taken up last year where there was big mismatch between funds allocated and actually spent in slums.

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