Mangaluru City Corporation Unveils Rs 937.6 Crore Budget with Surplus Despite Council Vacancy
In Mangaluru, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is currently operating without an elected council, but that has not halted its financial planning. On Thursday, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV, who also serves as the MCC administrator, presented the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The budget outlines a total outlay of Rs 937.6 crore and projects a surplus of Rs 156.1 crore, signaling a robust financial strategy even in the absence of a formal governing body.
Budget Adjustments and Revenue Projections
The budget size for 2026-27 has been reduced by Rs 32.7 crore compared to the previous year's Rs 970.4 crore. Expected revenue has also seen a decline, dropping from Rs 644.6 crore in 2025-26 to Rs 629.8 crore in the upcoming fiscal year. Despite these reductions, the administration remains focused on efficient resource management to ensure the corporation's smooth operation.
DC Darshan HV emphasized the importance of resource mobilization, stating, "Resource mobilisation is essential for the effective functioning of any institution. Hence, the city corporation has taken several stringent measures for resource mobilisation." This approach underscores the proactive steps being taken to maintain financial stability.
Impressive Property Tax Collection and Digitization Efforts
In a notable achievement, the MCC exceeded its property tax collection target for 2025-26 by a significant margin. The corporation had set a goal of Rs 121.6 crore from property tax, khata transfer and extract fees, and advertisement fees. As of March 25, it had collected Rs 141.1 crore, achieving an impressive 126% of the target. For 2026-27, the target has been set at Rs 127.8 crore, reflecting continued confidence in revenue generation.
The MCC has identified 2.2 lakh properties and successfully digitized their data on the property tax portal. Out of these, 1.7 lakh property owners are already paying their taxes online, showcasing a shift towards digital efficiency. Surveys aimed at boosting property tax collection have been completed in three wards, with plans to extend this initiative to the remaining 57 wards as soon as possible.
DC Darshan HV highlighted the corporation's ambition, saying, "The MCC aims to complete surveys and digitise property data in the remaining 57 wards at the earliest and become a model in the state." This vision positions Mangaluru as a potential leader in municipal governance and technological adoption.
Key Officials Present at Budget Presentation
The budget presentation was attended by key officials, including MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik and MCC DC (Revenue in-charge) Akshatha K. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort behind the financial planning, ensuring that all departments are aligned with the corporation's goals for the upcoming fiscal year.
This budget presentation marks a critical step for Mangaluru City Corporation as it navigates governance without an elected council, relying on administrative leadership to drive progress and maintain fiscal responsibility.
