Kalaburagi City Corporation projects ₹5.92 crore deficit in ₹215 crore budget

The Kalaburagi City Corporation has projected a deficit of ₹5.92 crore in its ₹215.03-crore budget for 2026–27, presented amid a brief disruption by opposition members seeking details of past expenditure.

The special budget meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m., began nearly an hour late after BJP member Vijaykumar Sevalani objected to the absence of expenditure statements for the 2023–24 and 2024–25 budgets, which he said were approved without discussion in the general body. The issue was resolved after Mayor Varsha Jane assured that the details would be shared with all corporators.

Finance Standing Committee Chairperson Anupama Kamakanur, who presented the budget, said the corporation expects revenue of ₹215.03 crore from internal sources and government grants, against an estimated expenditure of ₹220.34 crore.

A key highlight of the budget is the provision of ₹10 lakh each for corporators towards ward development, along with a proposal to introduce one ‘pink auto’ in every ward.

During the discussion, members raised concerns over the corporation’s revenue potential, particularly from its properties. Corporator Yellappa Nayakodi pointed out that rental income from commercial complexes had been pegged at just ₹12 lakh, and suggested auctioning or leasing prime property, including those near Chakkarakatta and the railway station, to generate higher income.

Supporting the demand, Congress member Syed Ahmed said several traders and business establishments were willing to lease corporation property at monthly rents ranging from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, which could significantly augment revenue.

Members also stressed on the need to improve civic infrastructure, including the development of crematoriums at Santraswadi and Brahmapur. There were calls to enhance allocation for animal birth control programmes, with suggestions to earmark at least ₹1 crore.

The budget outlines major revenue sources such as ₹37.89 crore from corporation-owned properties, ₹6.73 crore from building licence fees, ₹2.29 crore from trade licences, ₹2.34 crore from solid waste management cess, and ₹12.84 crore from penalties on property tax arrears.

Grants from the State Finance Commission are estimated at ₹38.93 crore, along with allocations under Finance Commission and other schemes.

On the expenditure side, the corporation has earmarked ₹40 crore for solid waste management and road cleaning, ₹11 crore for road work, ₹8.83 crore for water supply and well development, and ₹6.44 crore for major drain construction. Other allocations include streetlight maintenance, parks, urban forestry, toilets and welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes and backward classes.