PCMC Unveils Ambitious Rs 9,675.27 Crore Budget with Focus on Citizen Participation and Climate Resilience

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced its budget for 2025-26, totaling Rs 9,675.27 crore. Key features include citizen participation and climate budgeting. With a Rs 5 crore closing balance, the budget emphasizes infrastructure enhancement, climate action, and educational improvements. PCMC also joins global cities in implementing a Climate Budgeting Framework.

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Friday introduced an ambitious budget for the 2025-26 financial year, presenting it to the Standing Committee. The proposed budget outlines a substantial expenditure of Rs 6,256.39 crore, with a total plan of Rs 9,675.27 crore, encompassing both state and central government-backed initiatives. Noteworthy additions include citizen participation and the pioneering climate budget.

Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighted the community's active role, with 2,279 suggestions submitted by residents, of which 786 have been integrated. This participative governance model has been lauded for aligning the budget with local developmental needs. Revenue projections for the current fiscal stand at Rs 5,841 crore, with the upcoming year aiming for Rs 6,256.39 crore in income and an expenditure estimate slightly lower at Rs 6,251.39 crore, thereby expecting a closing balance of Rs 5 crore by March 2026.

Improving efficiency in property tax collection, PCMC plans to employ advanced digital technology such as drone imaging. The focus will also be on bolstering civic infrastructure, featuring projects like the PCMC City Centre and the Bhama Askhed Water Supply Scheme. Educational infrastructure enhancements, climate initiatives following cities like Oslo and London, and the deployment of a Climate Budgeting Framework underscore the city's commitment to sustainable development.

(With inputs from agencies.)