BMC Formally Requests State Government for Budget Timeline Extension
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has officially written to the Maharashtra state government. They are seeking an extension for presenting their annual civic budget. Municipal commissioner and state-appointed administrator Bhushan Gagrani confirmed this development to The Indian Express.
Extension Requested Until March 4
Gagrani stated clearly that the corporation has demanded an extension period lasting until March 4, 2026. This formal request comes as the BMC navigates several procedural delays. The existing rules under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act mandate that civic elections must be held by February 4 each year. Traditionally, the budget is presented by the commissioner and then handed over to key officials.
Pending Appointments Create Hurdle
A significant factor behind this request is the incomplete formation of the civic body's leadership. While elected representatives have been chosen in recent civic polls, the crucial position of mayor remains unfilled. The selection process for mayor involves multiple steps coordinated by the state's Urban Development Department.
The mayoral selection follows a specific sequence:- The UDD conducts a lottery to determine reservation categories.
- Political parties then nominate their candidates based on the results.
- A final voting process in the council hall ultimately chooses the mayor.
Once the mayor is in place, they hold the responsibility of nominating chairpersons for the BMC's statutory committees. This includes the vital standing committee, which oversees all financial matters for the corporation.
Budget Presentation Depends on Committee Formation
An official familiar with the process explained the direct connection between these appointments and the budget. "Since the budget must be handed over to the mayor as well as the standing committee chairperson, its presentation can only occur after these committees are properly inducted and their leaders selected," the official noted. This procedural requirement makes the pending appointments a critical bottleneck.
The BMC's move highlights the administrative challenges facing India's richest municipal corporation. The extension seeks to ensure all formalities are completed before the crucial financial document is tabled for the new fiscal year.
