Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Unveils Surplus Budget for 2026-27
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has presented a surplus budget of Rs 7.7 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, projecting robust financial management for the twin cities. The budget, announced in Hubballi on Monday, outlines estimated revenues of approximately Rs 1,603.2 crore against expenditures of Rs 1,594.4 crore, positioning it as one of the highest among municipal corporations in Karnataka, second only to Bengaluru.
Budget Presentation and Political Reception
Taxation, Finance, and Appeal Standing Committee Chairperson Meenakshi Vantamuri, accompanied by her team, formally presented the budget during the HDMC general body meeting. The ruling BJP members expressed appreciation for the fiscal plan, while opposition Congress members raised concerns about the clarity and accuracy of the data provided in the budget documents, leading to a mixed political response.
Revenue Projections and Key Proposals
The budget sets an ambitious target of generating Rs 897 crore from the corporation's own resources, supplemented by Rs 706 crore in grants from the central and state governments. A standout proposal is an 80% increase in property tax collection, aiming to raise Rs 333 crore next year compared to Rs 186 crore this year. This surge is attributed to the completion of a Geographic Information System (GIS) survey of properties in Hubballi-Dharwad, which will bring more assets under the tax net.
Other significant revenue measures include:
- Raising Rs 100 crore through the sale of leased properties.
- Generating another Rs 100 crore via on-time settlement schemes that write off interest on pending water bills.
Expenditure Allocations and Development Focus
Out of total payments of Rs 1,595.4 crore, the budget allocates Rs 1,064 crore for capital expenditure, emphasizing infrastructure and development projects. Major operational costs include Rs 245.4 crore for human resources and Rs 156.7 crore for maintenance. Additionally, Rs 1.5 crore is earmarked for each of the 81 ward members as a development fund, with opposition calls to increase this to Rs 2 crore per member.
Notable allocations for social and urban initiatives feature:
- Rs 4.1 crore for distributing pink e-autos to women, promoting gender emancipation and mobility.
- Rs 5 crore for upgrading the citadel of Channamma's statue in Kittur Rani Channamma Circle.
- Rs 5 crore for constructing a new general body meeting hall in Hubballi.
- Rs 25,000 awards for girl students achieving the highest marks.
- Completion of 320 houses for civic labourers.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans
The budget outlines seven strategic formulas aimed at making HDMC financially independent and ensuring sustainable progress. Key initiatives include enhancing tax collection from railways, airports, and industrial layouts, and leveraging increased allocations under the 16th Finance Commission, which is projected to double to Rs 82.2 crore compared to the previous commission.
Infrastructure and environmental projects are prioritized, with commitments to:
- Complete the installation of LED bulbs across Hubballi-Dharwad.
- Extend the 24x7 drinking water project to cover the entire 320-square-kilometer area of the twin cities.
- Implement solid waste management systems.
- Develop gardens and lakes using central grants.
- Execute works under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagara Vikasa Yojane.
Furthermore, the revenue vigilance squad will be empowered to levy penalties on properties lacking building permission and completion certificates, strengthening regulatory compliance.
This comprehensive budget reflects HDMC's focus on fiscal prudence, urban development, and social welfare, setting a precedent for municipal governance in the region.
