Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): As the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) prepares to present its new budget, opposition leaders have alleged that a staggering 40% of the 2024-25 budget remains unspent. Out of the Rs. 3,353 crore allocated, nearly Rs. 1,300-1,500 crore meant for key infrastructure projects has not been utilised.
Major projects, including the construction of new hawkers' corners (Rs. 5 crore), installation of sculptures of prominent personalities (Rs. 5 crore), and heritage entrance gates (Rs. 5 crore), are yet to begin. The largest allocation—Rs. 35 crore for drainage infrastructure to prevent waterlogging—also remains untouched.
Despite over 20 specific provisions in the budget, only a few projects have seen progress. The door-to-door garbage collection by electric vehicles (Rs. 10 crore) has been initiated, while the beautification of public parks (Rs. 10 crore) is only partially completed.
Opposition leaders have criticised the BMC for financial mismanagement, accusing the administration of delaying much-needed civic developments. LoP’s claim LoPSabhista Zaki told Free Press that most of the ground-level work for budget provisions has not even started.
She alleged that over 40% of the allocated funds remain unused, yet the administration is planning to increase the budget for 2025-26 despite this failure. "Tenders for several basic works have been issued five times, but no work orders have been finalised, let alone any actual execution," Zaki said.
Mayor’s take
Mayor Malti Rai told Free Press that these issues will be addressed in the upcoming budget council meeting, where all necessary clarifications will be provided.
