PCMC's 2026-27 Budget Faces Delay Due to Standing Committee Formation Issue
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's annual budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 is anticipated to be postponed, primarily because the newly elected civic body has failed to constitute its standing committee. This committee is a crucial body before which the budget must be tabled for approval, and its absence is disrupting the usual schedule.
Budget Presentation Schedule Disrupted
Typically, the civic administration presents the budget on or around February 20 each year. However, this time, the timeline is expected to be pushed back significantly. A senior PCMC official explained that, according to established norms, the budget must be presented before the standing committee by February 28. "In case there is further delay in formation of the standing committee, the administration can directly place the budget before the general body. All municipal corporations in the state are required to present their annual budgets before March 20," the official stated.
Historical Context and Financial Concerns
The civic body has been under administrative rule for the past four years, during which the municipal commissioner, who also served as the administrator, was responsible for presenting and approving the annual budgets. During the recent civic election campaign, numerous political leaders, particularly from the NCP, raised allegations that the financial health of the corporation deteriorated under this administrative rule. They contended that the municipal corporation, once regarded as Asia's wealthiest civic body, slipped into substantial debt during this period.
An official from PCMC's accounts department confirmed that a white paper on the civic body's financial position has been submitted to key figures, including the newly elected mayor, deputy mayor, opposition leader, and leader of the house. The official data reveals that the municipal corporation currently carries an outstanding debt of Rs337 crore. This debt comprises loans from the World Bank and funds raised through municipal and green bonds.
Leadership and Budget Priorities
Adding to the complexity, the municipal corporation has been awaiting the appointment of a full-time municipal commissioner. Shravan Hardikar, who was given additional charge of the post in October last year, is also serving as the head of Maha Metro, which may impact focused governance. In a recent meeting chaired by Mayor Ravi Landge to review budget preparations, he directed the administration to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects rather than allocating fresh funds for new initiatives.
"The current financial position of the civic body does not appear conducive to introducing many new projects in the annual budget. I instructed officials to focus on strengthening basic amenities such as clean water supply and healthcare services," Landge emphasized. This directive underscores a shift towards fiscal prudence and essential service enhancement in light of the corporation's debt burden.
The delay in budget presentation highlights broader challenges in municipal governance, including committee formations and financial management, which could affect public services and infrastructure development in the region.
