AAP and Congress Slam Chandigarh Budget Cuts, Flag Strain on Civic Services
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have strongly criticized the reduction in the budgetary allocation for Chandigarh, raising alarms about its potential impact on essential civic services and infrastructure development. Both political parties have voiced concerns that the budget cuts could lead to a deterioration in the quality of life for residents, particularly affecting areas such as road maintenance, sanitation, and drainage systems.
Budget Figures Highlight Significant Reduction
The AAP has pointed out that the Union Territory Budget for 2026-27 has been set at Rs 5,720 crore, which marks a notable decrease from the revised expenditure of Rs 6,187 crore in the previous fiscal year, 2025-26. This reduction represents a cut of approximately Rs 467 crore, raising questions about the administration's priorities and its commitment to urban development.
Senior AAP leader Vikrant A Tanwar emphasized the implications of this reduced outlay, stating, "The reduced budget, combined with high administrative spending, will leave limited funds available for crucial development works." He further highlighted the absence of a clearly defined and separate allocation for the Municipal Corporation, warning that this oversight could adversely affect spending on key civic amenities.
Congress Echoes Concerns with Sharper Critique
The Congress has echoed similar concerns, noting that the budget cut appears even more severe when compared to the original allocation of Rs 6,983 crore in 2025-26. This comparison reveals a reduction of over Rs 1,200 crore, which Congress chief spokesperson Rajiv Sharma described as "unfair and unprecedented." Sharma alleged that the city is being treated indifferently, with the administration failing to prioritize its needs.
Sharma provided specific details to support his claims, pointing out that the Municipal Corporation received only Rs 625 crore as grant-in-aid last year. Additionally, he noted that the administration failed to utilize nearly Rs 500 crore, which is now likely to lapse. He criticized the allocation structure, stating that the civic body, which handles most day-to-day civic works, received barely 9 per cent of the total budget, despite facing a severe resource crunch.
Demands for Transparent and Assured Funding
Both the AAP and Congress have united in their demand for assured and transparent funding for the Municipal Corporation. They argue that without adequate financial support, essential civic services will suffer, leading to potential issues such as:
- Deterioration of road conditions
- Inadequate sanitation and waste management
- Poor drainage systems, especially during monsoon seasons
- Delays in infrastructure projects and maintenance
The parties warn that the budget cuts could strain the city's ability to maintain its high standards of civic amenities, ultimately affecting the well-being of its residents. They call for a reevaluation of the budget priorities to ensure that Chandigarh continues to receive the necessary funds for sustainable urban development.
