Chandigarh MC approves Rs 1,712-crore budget
A first: Rs 12 cr to make UT a digital city; Rs 27 cr for development of gaushalas
The MC General House approved Rs 1,712-crore budget for 2026-27 in a special meeting held today.
Out of the total amount, Rs 610 crore has been earmarked under the capital head (for expenditure on long-term assets and infrastructure) and Rs 1,102 crore under the revenue head.
Mayor Saurabh Joshi said the budget was presented with a focus on achieving the objectives of “Viksit Bharat - Viksit Chandigarh 2047”.
He said for the first time Rs 12 crore would be spent on the improvement of information technology to make Chandigarh a smart digital city. Under this plan, AI smart single-window system, digital file tracking, AI-based grievance redressal, smart street light monitoring and online billing and payment system will be introduced.
The important works proposed to be undertaken during the financial year 2026-27 include improvement of roads, parking and infrastructure facilities, achieving “Lakshya zero dumpsite”, upgrade of sewerage and drainage, smart parking solutions, and one-time settlement scheme for property tax dues.
Joshi said social media apps of the MC would be developed and the e-governance model implemented in a comprehensive manner. To improve efficiency and transparency, the Al-based technology will be implemented across the key wings of the civic body.
Out of Rs 610 crore under the capital head, the MC will spend over Rs 140 crore on the improvement of roads/parking, Rs 61 crore on water supply system, Rs 32 crore on solid waste management, Rs 50 crore on drainage system and Rs 13 crore on landscaping.
For the first time, Rs 27 crore has been earmarked for the development of the gaushalas. The expenditure will be met through the receipts received and available under the relevant head on account of the cow cess.
Recently, the MC had faced criticism after the death of over 50 cows outside the carcass incinerator centre at Raipur Kalan. The city has six gaushalas or cattle pounds located in Industrial Area, Maloya, Raipur Kalan Sectors 45 and 25.
The MC is expecting a record Rs 461 crore revenue from various sources.
Joshi also announced a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for property tax dues, digital tax collection system, smart parking and digital advertisement policy. He said a PPP model for the smart multilevel parking, modern community centres, EV charging stations, green belts, theme gardens and commercial infrastructure development would be introduced.
The ward development fund for the councillors has been increased to Rs 1 crore from Rs 80 lakh.
