Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday presented its Rs 1,050 crore draft budget for the financial year 2026-27, during the 38th general council and special budget meeting held at its headquarters.
According to the draft budget, the civic body is expected to generate Rs 300 crore from its own revenue sources and Rs 750 crore from government grants.
Mayor Sulochana Das, in her address, emphasised on increasing the BMC’s own revenue. She noted that grants from the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions would be proportionate to the earnings, urging all officials to work in accordance with rules and strengthen revenue collection mechanisms.
The Mayor also proposed the construction of ward offices in all wards by the end of the next financial year.
A major highlight of the meeting was the decision to completely ban the sale of gutka across the BMC area. Selling gutka in vending zones or OMFED booths will lead to immediate cancellation of licences. The ban will be enforced strictly in all other areas as well, with intensified enforcement drives. Gutka hoardings in the BMC jurisdiction will be removed, and agencies putting up such hoardings will face heavy penalties.
The house was informed that the state government will no longer pay rent for Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWC) operating from rented premises. These centres will be shifted to government or BMC-owned buildings. However, it was unanimously decided that no UHWC under BMC will be closed.
The meeting revealed that work on a modern fish market near Pandara has started while renovation of the Chandrasekharpur Kalyan Mandap will begin shortly. Authorities were directed to complete the ISKCON and Rasulgarh drainage projects before the onset of the monsoon along with sesilting of major and internal drains across the city.
Discussions were held to rehabilitate those affected in Hatapoda No. 1 within 30 days.
The BMC Commissioner, Chanchal Rana, sought cooperation from all corporators to make the upcoming Ekamra Utsav (path festival) lively, beautiful, and attractive. He informed the house that Khhandagiri Kumbh Mela was progressing smoothly. He also appealed for cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of Mahaprabhu Lingaraj Jagar Yatra. The commissioner urged corporators to intensify efforts to keep their respective wards clean, green, and beautiful. He mentioned that funds from the 15th Finance Commission are expected, along with government grants for the renovation of goshalas, various markets, roads, drains, and other works. Tenders for some works have already been finalised, he added.
