200 cr surplus budget for GMC

Guntur: Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) which is being run by special officer projected a surplus of Rs 200 crores for the 2015-16 budget estimates and an opening surplus of 171.31 crores, according to GMC Commissioner K Kanna Babu. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Kanna Babu said the revenue estimate is projected at 607.43 crores and the sum total including opening surplus is shown at Rs.778.75 crores while the expenditure at Rs 579.13 crores leaving a balance of Rs 199.61 crores, which is almost Rs.200 crores.

The commissioner pointed out that boosting of revenues without actually levying additional taxes on the people is top on the agenda. Revenue will be increased by correction of under-assessments of some properties and proper collection of building fees and development charges. The commissioner announced an incentive of 5 per cent rebate on property taxes to those who clear their dues by April-end.

Road development and improvement of sanitation and city beautification are the immediate priorities, he said. “Development of roads and strengthening of drainage system have already been taken up. Under-ground drainage is being taken up at a cost of Rs 900 crores. The Central government grant is to the order of Rs 540 crores while the remaining is to be borne by the state government,” he added.

Kanna Babu said the GMC is bracing up for implementation of summer action plan to augment water resources at a cost of Rs 10 crores to overcome water scarcity in the summer. The World Bank aided water project aimed at boosting infrastructure, including construction of water tanks and reservoirs would be completed in the current financial year.

City beautification, involving development of parks, construction of multi-storeyed commercial complexes and road widening works, would all give a facelift and new look to the capital district, the commissioner said.A detailed project report is being prepared by a private agency in implement solar initiatives in the city.