Harpreet Kaur Babla appeals for Rs 170 crore to sustain municipal corporation in Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Newly elected mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla has urgently requested an additional grant of ₹170 crore from the Union Territory (UT) administrator to address the financial crisis facing the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC). With essential expenditures looming for February and March 2025, Babla's plea highlights the pressing need for funds to maintain civic services.

Urgent Financial Request

In a meeting with UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Babla emphasized the importance of timely financial support to cover salaries, pensions, electricity bills, and fuel costs. The mayor's call for immediate action comes amid a backdrop of fiscal challenges that threaten the MC's ability to function effectively. Following her recent election victory, Babla is determined to secure the necessary resources to uphold public services.

Special Grant Announcement

BJP president Jatinder Malhotra previously announced that the Centre had approved a special grant of ₹92 crore for the MC; however, these funds have yet to be disbursed. This delay exacerbates the financial strain on the corporation, which is already grappling with insufficient funding to meet its operational needs. The MC has received only ₹560 crore in grant-in-aid for the 2024-25 financial year, significantly below its demand of ₹1,651.75 crore.

Maintaining Civic Infrastructure

Babla pointed out that the MC plays a crucial role in maintaining Chandigarh’s infrastructure, including 2,000 km of roads and numerous parks. Despite these responsibilities, the corporation faces a severe financial crunch that hampers its ability to provide essential public services. The mayor noted that ongoing maintenance and development efforts are at risk without adequate funding.

Cost-Cutting Measures Implemented

In response to the fiscal crisis, the MC has implemented several cost-cutting measures, including reducing outsourcing staff and minimizing vehicle expenses. These actions aim to alleviate some financial pressure; however, they may not be sufficient to cover essential liabilities. Babla highlighted that the MC has successfully recovered ₹14.15 crore from defaulters but still faces significant challenges.

Assurance from Administration

The administrator assured Babla of full support from the Chandigarh administration and directed concerned officers to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the MC's financial status in detail. As the situation unfolds, timely intervention is critical to ensure that Chandigarh's civic body can continue its operations without further disruption.