Surat Municipal Corporation Unveils Enhanced Rs 11,301 Crore Budget with Focus on Welfare and Development
In a significant financial announcement, Surat Municipal Corporation's (SMC) Standing Committee chairman Rajan Patel presented a revised civic budget of Rs 11,301 crore on Saturday. This marks a substantial increase of Rs 708 crore over the earlier draft estimate of Rs 10,593 crore, which was initially proposed by municipal commissioner M Nagarajan. The enhanced allocation spans both capital and revenue heads, reflecting a robust commitment to urban development and public welfare.
Key Welfare Initiatives for Vulnerable Groups
Chairman Rajan Patel highlighted several targeted measures aimed at supporting vulnerable sections of society. Widows who are already registered with the government for other schemes may now benefit from property tax exemptions, providing much-needed financial relief. Additionally, to encourage senior citizens to utilize public transport safely, a free bus pass facility will be introduced. This initiative is expected to enhance mobility and accessibility for the elderly population across the city.
Promoting Local Economy and Tourism
In alignment with the national "Vocal for Local" campaign, the standing committee has proposed the establishment of Surat Haat Bazaars. Each haat is estimated to cost Rs 10 crore and will serve as a dedicated platform for locally manufactured products. These bazaars are designed to stimulate business growth, generate employment opportunities, and attract tourists, thereby boosting the local economy and cultural appeal of Surat.
Enhancing Fire Safety and Infrastructure
The revised budget includes a notable allocation for fire safety, with the purchase of three water bowsers of 38-kilolitre capacity at a cost of Rs 10 crore. Patel emphasized that Surat is leading the country in acquiring water bowsers of this size, which will ensure more effective firefighting capabilities, particularly in textile markets and industrial areas prone to major fires. The equipment will enable fire teams to spray water without interruption, enhancing emergency response. Furthermore, SMC will procure 100 wireless sets for the Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) to improve communication during crises.
Strategic Zone-Based Allocations
Ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, the budget reveals a strategic focus on specific zones. East Zone-B (Sarthana) received the highest increase in allocation, with an additional Rs 119 crore—nearly three times higher than the next biggest hike of Rs 36.55 crore for North Zone (Katargam). Sarthana's allocation was raised from Rs 241 crore in the draft budget to Rs 359 crore in the revised version. Officials explained that Sarthana, which largely comprises the city's outskirts, is still in the early stages of infrastructure development, necessitating higher funding to accelerate growth. The other eight zones are expected to receive allocations of around Rs 200 crore or less, except for Sarthana.
Additional Administrative Measures
In another move to streamline operations, retired government employees will be hired to manage SMC community halls on a fixed monthly salary of Rs 25,000. This initiative aims to leverage experienced personnel for efficient hall management, ensuring better service delivery to the public.
Overall, the revised budget underscores SMC's proactive approach to addressing urban challenges while fostering inclusive growth through targeted welfare schemes and infrastructure investments.
