MCC okays Rs 1.47 cr surplus budget

The budget was presented by Tax, Finance and Appeal Standing Committee President Revathi K. MCC expects a revenue of Rs 17,538 lakhs and the proposed expenditure was Rs 17,390. The revenue of the MCC includes Rs 28.50 crore from water bills, Rs 15 crore from property tax, Rs 86 lakh from trade license, Rs 2.10 crore as a fee for the development of drainages, Rs 1.96 crore from markets and Rs 70 lakh from advertisement tax.

She said as far as the administration of the MCC is concerned, 24X7 helplines have been opened wherein complaints are registered and suitable actions are taken to solve the problems. The Council has already approved the implementation of the technology used in Hubli-Darwad Corporation to maintain the accounts to bring in transparency in the administration.

Water supply

Stating that water supply pipeline linking works are in progress, she said the Mangaloreans will receive 16 MLD additional water, once the works get over. MCC will bear the cost of linking the old pipelines to the new pipelines laid by the KUDCEMP.

Road maintenance

The MCC will undertake the concretisation and favour finishing asphaltation of road works. Besides, the removal of silt in major drainages is under progress.  A sum of Rs 60 lakh has been allotted under Kuteera Bhagya scheme, according to which Rs 10,000 will be provided towards repairing houses of each applicant in the general category. Under Kuteera Jyothi, Rs 20 lakh has been reserved for providing electricity connection to the houses of backward class members belonging to below poverty line category.

The MCC has earmarked Rs 2000 lakh for the developmental works during 2009-10.

Preference will be given to provide basic facilities in Ashraya colonies in MCC limits.

The MCC has received a sum of Rs 3 crore as SFC special grant. Accordingly, 65 works have been undertaken with the help of the grants. All the works have been completed.

However, the concreting of PVS Circle to Navabharath Circle will be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 100 lakh during 2009-10.

State government has announced Rs 100 crore as special grant to MCC. Of which, Rs 17 crore has been credited in 2008-09. “We are expecting Rs 83 crore in 2009-10. The grant has been utilised for undertaking concreting of roads, shifting of electric equipment, land acquisition, computerisation, development of tanks, parks and bus stands. We are expecting Rs 500 lakh grant from the government in 2009-10,” she informed. The budget has also reserved Rs 180 lakh for the development of markets in the City. A sum of Rs 283 lakh has been set aside for paying back ADB loans and interests, in the budget. A sum of Rs 360 lakh has been earmarked for the construction of houses for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under 18 per cent grants. To avoid slum areas coming up in the City limits, MCC is also planning to construct flats for poor.  Mayor Shanker Bhat presided.