Nashik Civic Commissioner Fast-Tracks Budget Preparations for 2026-27 Fiscal Year
In a decisive move to ensure timely financial planning, Nashik Municipal Corporation Commissioner Manisha Khatri has issued clear directives to all department heads. They have been instructed to submit comprehensive financial statements, detailed expenditure reports, and new project proposals by the first week of February. This initiative is part of the preparatory groundwork for formulating the municipal budget for the 2026-27 financial year.
Focus on Revenue Enhancement and Financial Accountability
The commissioner's instructions emphasize a dual approach: not merely tracking expenditures but actively bolstering municipal revenue through diverse channels. Departments have been explicitly told to propose concrete strategies for strengthening internal revenue generation. Key areas of focus include optimizing collections from property tax, user charges, and various service-based fees. This revenue-centric strategy aims to create a more robust financial foundation for the city's development projects.
Proactive Measures Amid Anticipated Political Delays
Commissioner Khatri's proactive stance comes at a critical juncture. The appointment of the standing committee chairperson is likely to face delays due to upcoming political processes. To prevent any procedural backlog that could hinder budget approval, the civic chief has chosen to accelerate the internal budget preparation process. By advancing these administrative steps, the administration aims to maintain momentum regardless of the political timeline.
According to senior municipal officials, departments have received specific mandates to compile precise data. This includes details of all expenditures incurred until the end of December and a clear outline of financial requirements for the remainder of the current fiscal year. These compiled figures will serve as the essential baseline for planning and allocating funds for the upcoming 2026-27 financial year.
Comprehensive Revenue Tracking and Future Projections
In addition to expenditure details, all municipal departments are required to provide exhaustive data on revenue collected through various taxes and levies up to December. They must also submit projected revenue estimates for the remaining months of the current fiscal year. Furthermore, each department is tasked with setting realistic yet ambitious targets for revenue collection specifically for the 2026-27 period.
Departments have also been instructed to regularly update the civic administration on the progress of ongoing infrastructure and development works. These updates must be measured against the financial targets set for the current year, ensuring accountability and transparency in project execution.
Upcoming Political Calendar and Administrative Preparedness
The municipal budget process is unfolding alongside a busy political schedule. The elections for the mayor and deputy mayor of Nashik are scheduled for February 6. Following these elections, the newly elected mayor will appoint 16 members to the standing committee, based on the respective party strengths within the municipal house. This appointment will occur during a special meeting convened after the mayoral elections.
The subsequent election of the standing committee chairperson is expected to follow, but officials anticipate that this process may require additional time, contributing to the potential delays. In the meantime, the civic administration under Commissioner Khatri's leadership is progressing diligently with its internal budgetary preparations. This ensures that the draft budget is ready for presentation, potentially at a General Body meeting expected by the end of February, contingent upon the formal constitution of the standing committee.
