Belagavi: In a major relief for the financially strained Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), the 16th Finance Commission has approved a grant of Rs 34.9 crore for the civic body. The allocation comes amid growing concerns over the steady reduction in funds received under the State Finance Commission, which has severely impacted development works in the city.
Revival of Pending Projects
The newly sanctioned funds are expected to help revive several pending civic projects and provide momentum to infrastructure development across Belagavi. The corporation administration is now preparing a detailed action plan for the utilisation of the grant.
A significant portion of the funds is likely to be spent on road repair and improvement works. The allocation may also be utilised for strengthening essential civic amenities such as water supply, drainage systems and other basic infrastructure facilities. Sources said corporators are also expected to receive ward-wise allocations to undertake local development works and address long-pending public grievances.
Financial Crunch and Unpaid Bills
For the past few years, the BCC has been grappling with a severe financial crunch due to declining State Finance Commission grants. The shortage of funds stalled several development projects, drawing criticism and dissatisfaction from corporators, particularly from the ruling BJP group. Repeated demands were made urging the government not to curtail the State Finance Commission allocations.
The financial stress has also affected contractors. Bills amounting to nearly Rs 8 crore for around 45 works executed under the 15th Finance Commission remain unpaid for more than a year, leading to growing resentment among contractors awaiting clearance of dues.
Memorandum and Government Response
Recently, mayor Preeti Kamkar, deputy mayor Hanmant Kongali and several corporators submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner seeking financial support for the corporation. Against this backdrop, the approval of Rs 34.9 crore under the 16th Finance Commission is being viewed as a significant boost for the civic body.
The ruling group, particularly mayor Preeti Kamkar and deputy mayor Hanumant Kongali, has welcomed the move and expressed gratitude to the government, stating that the funds would help accelerate development works in the city, particularly road improvement projects undertaken over the past three years.
