Nashik Municipal Budget for 2026-27 Receives Official Approval
In a significant development for urban governance, the standing committee chairperson Machhindra Sanap formally approved the civic budget presented by municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri for the financial year 2026-27. This approval came on Friday following comprehensive discussions and incorporates crucial revisions and suggestions proposed by panel members, ensuring the budget addresses pressing municipal needs.
Budget Proposal and Committee Deliberations
Municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri had initially tabled the Rs3,011-crore budget proposal for FY 2026-27 on Monday. The standing committee conducted detailed discussions on Friday, culminating in the chairperson's clearance of the proposal. Sanap emphasized that the approved budget includes all works recommended by committee members, reflecting a collaborative approach to fiscal planning.
Key Infrastructure Demands from Panel Members
Panel members put forth several critical demands that have been incorporated into the budget. These include:
- Adequate financial provisions for resurfacing roads in the MIDC areas of Nashik city
- Upgrades to civic hospitals to improve healthcare infrastructure
- Financial provision of Rs5 crore allocated to each of the city's 31 wards
- Replacement of old drainage lines in the Cidco area
- Replacement of outdated water supply lines with new infrastructure
Sanap confirmed that the budget approval specifically includes these suggestions and objections from panel members, ensuring community needs are addressed.
Revenue Projections and Expenditure Breakdown
On the revenue side, the Nashik Municipal Corporation projects an income of Rs2,868.76 crore, excluding the opening balance. This revenue stream comprises:
- Rs1,738.31 crore from GST grants, including Rs120 crore from the 1% local body cess on property transactions
- Rs285.25 crore from property tax collections
- Rs75.08 crore from water tax
- Rs223.68 crore from various taxes collected by the town planning department
The total projected expenditure for 2026-27 stands at Rs3,010 crore, with Rs471 crore specifically earmarked for roads, bridges, and other works under the public works department.
Significant Changes in Capital and Revenue Expenditure
The capital expenditure provision has undergone a substantial reduction to Rs736.96 crore, representing a sharp decline of nearly 50% compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, the civic administration has revised the capital spending target for 2025-26 upward from Rs1,031.25 crore to Rs1,501.96 crore, indicating a significant adjustment in fiscal planning.
Revenue expenditure has also increased, rising from Rs1,982 crore in the current financial year to Rs2,273.04 crore for 2026-27, reflecting growing operational costs.
Departmental Allocations and Service Focus
While the draft budget does not propose any major new projects for the upcoming financial year, several service-related departments have received enhanced allocations. Notably, the health department sees a 19.78% increase in its provision, rising from Rs33.77 crore in the current financial year to Rs40.45 crore in 2026-27. This increased funding underscores the municipal corporation's commitment to improving healthcare services for Nashik residents.
The approved budget represents a balanced approach to municipal finance, prioritizing essential infrastructure improvements while managing capital expenditure adjustments. With these allocations, Nashik aims to enhance urban living standards through targeted investments in roads, healthcare, water supply, and drainage systems.
