Delhi: MCD Standing Committee finalises revised budget estimates for FY 2025-26

The Standing Committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Thursday finalised the revised budget estimates for financial year 2025-26 and budget estimates for 2026-27.

Standing Committee chairperson Satya Sharma said the document aims to improve civic services and quality of life in the Capital without imposing any additional tax burden on residents.

The Budget will be officially presented by the Standing Committee chairperson in the upcoming House session.

Chairing the meeting, Sharma said the budget was prepared through an inclusive process. “We took suggestions from all councillors, standing committee members and ad-hoc committee members, from the ruling side to the opposition, while finalising the budget,” she said.

The budget formulation began on December 5 with the presentation of proposals by the Municipal Commissioner, followed by detailed consultations with chairpersons of Ward Committees and various statutory committees, including education, health, works, environment management services, gardens and rural affairs. A comprehensive assessment of Delhi’s civic needs and the MCD’s current situation was undertaken before finalising the document.

Highlighting waste management, Sharma said the three major landfill sites had been significantly reduced in size, with Bhalswa and Okhla expected to be cleared by the end of the year. She said once the sites were made garbage-free, the reclaimed land would be used for greenery, public amenities and development projects, giving long-affected areas a new identity. On air pollution, she said the budget proposes concrete measures to support the Delhi Government in controlling pollution, asserting that the focus would be on implementation rather than announcements.

Sanitation has been accorded top priority, with plans to strengthen cleanliness across streets, markets, parks and public spaces to improve civic hygiene and Delhi’s performance in cleanliness surveys. The budget also lays emphasis on plantation drives and the beautification of parks.

Acknowledging the poor condition of several MCD schools, Sharma said, “Our first plan is to increase student enrolment, fill vacant posts of teachers and special teachers and make MCD schools on a par with private schools.”

Health services will also be strengthened through the expansion of community healthcare, capacity enhancement of health centres and infrastructure upgrades. A separate budget head has been created to address the issue of stray dogs, aimed at improving public safety.

The budget includes provisions to expedite promotions, regularisation and recruitment of MCD employees and doctors to reduce workload and improve service delivery.

Sharma said the financial position of the civic body would be strengthened through more efficient and transparent use of revenue sources, while ensuring no new taxes are levied on citizens. She added that councillors would receive adequate funds for development works in their wards, and facilities for journalists had also been included, recognising the media’s role in a healthy democracy.