The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) unveiled its budget plan for the fiscal year 2024–25, projecting a surplus of Rs 240.2 crore and anticipated revenues of Rs 5,069.6 crore. Chairman Amit Yadav envisions transforming NDMC into a global-standard city, emphasizing financial prudence. The budget aims to exceed the current fiscal year's revised estimates, focusing on revenue collection from property tax and license fees. The introduction of geo-tagging for all properties and initiatives like electric vehicles, green bonds, and the 'One Day, One Road' campaign underscore NDMC's commitment to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The budget also allocates funds for education, local initiatives, and beautification projects, signalling a comprehensive approach to urban development and a positive trajectory for New Delhi's future.
Earlier this week, the NDMC revealed its budget plan for the fiscal year 2024–25, showcasing a surplus of Rs 240.2 crore and anticipated revenues reaching Rs 5,069.6 crore. Amit Yadav, the council chairman, expressed his vision of transforming NDMC into an exceptional city and a global standard. The budget plan aims to surpass the current fiscal year's revised estimates in both total expenditure and receipts. Consequently, a surplus is anticipated, marking a step toward NDMC's enhanced reputation.
Although the proposed budget refrains from raising property tax rates, the council aims to boost revenue collection from property tax, targeting a figure of Rs 1,150 crore for the fiscal year 2024–25. Simultaneously, revenue from license fees is anticipated to remain consistent at Rs 825.11 crore. A significant initiative in the upcoming year involves the implementation of geo-tagging for all properties, an important component of NDMC's tax reforms. This transformative measure will require property owners to upload photos of their properties through a dedicated mobile app or the NDMC website, ensuring streamlined identification and tracking.
Addressing environmental concerns, NDMC plans to introduce a shift to electric vehicles and expand the network of electric charging points. Additionally, the council contemplates the use of green bonds, with preliminary steps underway, including the identification of merchant bankers. In a bid to enhance operational efficiency, the council will introduce small electric mechanized vehicles tailored for navigating narrow lanes and spaces inaccessible to larger machines. The 'One Day, One Road' initiative is set to prioritize intensive cleaning and washing of roads, footpaths and trees on a rotating basis every three months.
NDMC is also introducing an 'innovation fund.' This fund aims to foster new technologies and solutions, with an initial project focusing on the partial opening of Kushak Drain. The collaboration with IIT Kanpur seeks a long-term solution to prevent untreated water from flowing into the drain. As for the education sector, NDMC plans to distribute tablets to Class 9 students from the next academic year, expanding the reach of this initiative from Classes 10, 11, and 12.
To support local initiatives, the council plans on allocating Rs 10 crore as 'untied funds' for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Trade Associations (MTAs) within the NDMC area in the fiscal year 2024–25. Adding a touch of vibrancy to the city's aesthetic, NDMC has procured two lakh tulip bulbs for the upcoming winter season. The chairman expressed a commitment to domestic production, aiming to reduce imports and promote the 'Make in India' initiative in the years to come.
In summary, the New Delhi Municipal Council's budget for 2024–25 showcases financial prudence, focus on increased revenue and a multifaceted approach toward urban development, promising a positive trajectory for the city's future.
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