The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) proposed a budget of Rs 8,437 crore for the financial year 2024-25. However, the budget was not passed due to an all-party meeting held by the Minister on Ramzan arrangements at the Secretariat. Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi presented the budget during the general body meeting at the GHMC headquarters, but it was adjourned to facilitate MLAs, MLCs, and the GHMC commissioner to attend the all-party meeting.
The general body meeting was held after six months and was the first meeting after the formation of the new government. Several corporators raised concerns about the absence of streetlights in various localities and condemned official negligence. The budget showed a revenue of Rs 5,938 crore and a revenue surplus of Rs 2,480 crore, with capital receipts reaching Rs 1,999 crore and capital expenditure set at Rs 4,479 crore. An amount of Rs 500 crore was earmarked for housing initiatives.
The Mayor highlighted Hyderabad’s achievements in being ranked among the top 10 cities in the country and receiving awards in the Swachh Sarvekshan conducted by the Centre. During the meeting, representatives from various parties expressed dissatisfaction with officials and emphasized the need for on-site monitoring. MLC Mirza RahmatBaig (MIM) called for uninterrupted power supply during Ramzan, while other members asked for improvements in revenue generation.
The Mayor ordered an inquiry into irregularities in the ad department and announced a committee to frame rules for political hoardings and flexes. Corporator Shravan (BJP) called for action against officials on long-term deputation in the corporation, and GHMC commissioner Ronald Ross informed the meeting about officers on deputation. MLA B Venkat (Cong) highlighted the previous government’s failure to install streetlights on poorly-lit highways, leading to accidents.
