Phagwara MC passes Rs 47.62 cr Budget for next financial year

The Phagwara Municipal Corporation (MC) has approved a Budget of Rs 47.62 crore for the financial year 2025-26. The Budget was passed during a meeting held on Friday evening, presided over by Mayor Ram Pal Uppal, in the presence of Senior Deputy Mayor Tej Pal Basra, Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta, civic body officials and council members.

Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta said the MC could earn Rs 47.62 crore during the year 2025-2026, which include Rs 31 crore from GST/VAT, Rs 7 crore from property tax/fire cess, Rs 1.20 crore from house tax, Rs 60 lakh from advertisement tax, Rs 28 lakh from licence fee, Rs 5.50 crore from building regularisation fee, besides miscellaneous sources.

The Budget outlines several key allocations for urban development, administrative expenses & civic improvements as per following bifurcation

Rs 12.90 crore allocated for urban development and infrastructure

Rs 32.45 crore earmarked for salaries and wages of municipal corporation employees

Rs 2.27 crore designated for contingency expenses

Rs 1.40 crore set aside for honorarium and allowances of Mayor, two Deputy Mayors and councillors

Rs 3.50 crore allocated for outsourced employees

Rs 1.50 crore for fuel expenses of municipal corporation vehicles

Rs 3.20 crore for streetlight maintenance and paying electricity bills

Rs 20 lakh for the maintenance of the MC building

Rs 10 lakh for solid waste management

Rs 20 lakh allocated for cow cess payments to gaushala

Remaining funds allocated to general and house tax branches and other administration offices

Commitment to develop infra & maintain transparency

Mayor Ram Pal Uppal emphasised that the Budget was prepared to ensure sustainable urban development and enhance civic amenities for residents. He assured that allocated funds would be used transparently, while focusing on waste management improvement, road infrastructure strengthening and enhanced sanitation services.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta also reiterated the commitment for effective utilisation of funds for the city's development. She encouraged residents to give suggestions for solving civic issues and stay informed about ongoing MC projects.

Clarification on seating arrangement controversy

MC Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta refuted claims of Deputy Mayor Vikki Sood regarding failure of the MC to provide a designated seat for him during the Budget meeting. She said a chair had been reserved for Deputy Mayor next to Senior Deputy Mayor, which remained unoccupied throughout the meeting. She said, “The MC will focus on implementing proposed Budget efficiently, while ensuring infrastructural growth and better civic amenities for residents.”