Nagpur Municipal Corporation Approves Revised Advertisement Fee Structure
The standing committee of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has given its approval to a revised proposal aimed at increasing advertisement fees across the city. This decision, taken during a meeting on Tuesday, includes a series of significant suggestions such as implementing differential rates based on location and mandating structural audits for all hoardings to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.
Market-Driven Approach and Revenue Boost
Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare announced that the proposal has been cleared by the panel and will now be presented to the general body for final approval. Speaking to the media after the meeting, she emphasized the need for the civic body to adopt a more market-driven approach when fixing advertisement rates. "I have suggested that hoardings and banners installed in high-footfall market areas should be charged more compared to those in low-footfall locations," she stated. Dani Wakhare also directed the advertisement department to conduct a comprehensive structural audit of all hoardings within city limits to enhance safety standards.
According to civic officials, if the revised rates are implemented, the annual revenue from the advertisement department is expected to surge from the existing Rs13 crore to nearly Rs20 crore. Dani Wakhare clarified that the proposal is designed to strengthen the civic body's financial health without imposing an undue burden on small advertisers. The meeting also featured discussions on the city's broader advertisement policy, with Cong member Abhijeet Jha urging the civic body to align its charges with other major municipal corporations to boost revenue effectively.
Comparative Analysis and Opposition Concerns
Abhijeet Jha pointed out that compared to civic bodies in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the rates proposed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation are relatively low. He suggested that the civic body should target at least Rs10 crore in revenue from hoardings alone and present a revised proposal accordingly to meet this goal.
However, opposition members raised concerns about the decision-making process, alleging that despite their demand for a detailed discussion, Dani Wakhare attempted to push the proposal without allowing adequate debate. This issue has sparked questions about the functioning of the standing committee and the transparency of key financial decisions being taken by the civic administration.
Implementation Details and Other Approved Proposals
As per the proposal, the revised rates would apply to various forms of advertising, including hoardings, wall posters, illuminated advertisements, gantry gates, and LED-based display screens. The administration plans to implement the new charges starting from April 1, subject to approval by the general body.
In addition to the advertisement fee revisions, the standing committee approved several other key proposals:
- Healthy Streets Project: Development of pedestrian-friendly stretches in Shankar Nagar and Dharampeth has been approved at a cost of over Rs25 crore, following the acceptance of the lowest bidder.
- Extension of Services: The services of three retired deputy engineers working on contract in the project department have been extended for another six months, with an estimated expenditure of around Rs14.5 lakh.
- CC Roads in Kasturba Nagar (Zone 10): Administrative approval has been granted for cement concrete road works worth Rs1.49 crore.
- CC Road near Dayanand School, Jaripatka: A proposal for road work worth approximately Rs49.9 lakh has been cleared by the panel.
These measures collectively aim to enhance urban infrastructure and financial stability for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, reflecting a proactive approach to civic governance and public welfare.
