Patna Municipal Corporation Ends Stalemate with Major Infrastructure Funding Approval
In a significant breakthrough after nearly seven months of gridlock, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) convened its 10th general board meeting on Saturday and approved a landmark decision to raise Rs 200 crore through municipal bonds. This move aims to fund critical civic infrastructure projects across the city, marking a pivotal moment in Patna's urban development efforts.
Overcoming Controversy to Pass Key Resolutions
Chaired by Mayor Sita Sahu, the meeting successfully navigated past controversies that had previously stalled progress. The 9th general board meeting had been adjourned twice due to three disputed items, but this time, those contentious proposals were set aside. The House demonstrated remarkable efficiency by approving eight out of nine new proposals presented, with numerous councillors contributing valuable suggestions for refinement during the discussions.
Municipal Bond Approval with Central Government Support
The most substantial decision of the meeting was the authorization to issue municipal bonds worth Rs 200 crore, which will be supplemented by an additional Rs 26 crore contribution from the central government. These substantial funds are earmarked for developing basic infrastructure and enhancing civic amenities throughout Patna, addressing long-standing urban challenges.
However, the bond proposal faced scrutiny from councillor Ashish Kumar Sinha, a former member of the Empowered Standing Committee, who expressed concerns about raising funds without a clear project roadmap. Sinha emphasized that bonds require repayment with profit, necessitating comprehensive long-term planning. He advocated for the corporation to develop a minimum 10-year strategy and strengthen internal revenue sources such as holding tax and waste collection charges to ensure financial sustainability.
In response to these concerns, PMC Commissioner Yashpal Meena provided reassurance, stating that the funds would be strategically invested in income-generating projects. He outlined plans for developing vending zones, shopping malls, and commercial complexes to bolster the corporation's revenue base. Commissioner Meena also highlighted ambitious redevelopment plans for the Patna Junction area, noting its significance as the primary point of contact for visitors arriving in the city.
Comprehensive Sanitation Infrastructure Enhancement
The meeting placed considerable emphasis on improving sanitation infrastructure, with the House approving the procurement of 375 waste collection vehicles and 750 hand-carts to ensure regular cleaning operations across all municipal wards. This comprehensive procurement includes 150 e-rickshaw waste vehicles, 150 closed tippers, 75 open tippers, two super sucker machines, and three mini poclains.
This decision addresses an acute equipment shortage that emerged approximately ten months ago when the district transport office in Patna declared 152 of the corporation's 158 old vehicles as scrap, severely hampering sanitation operations throughout the city.
Additional Development Initiatives and Policy Decisions
In another significant development, the corporation approved infrastructure works worth Rs 1 crore in each councillor's ward, ensuring equitable distribution of development resources across the municipality. The House also cleared a penalty waiver under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for taxpayers who clear their outstanding dues in a lump sum payment. Councillors recommended that the PMC launch an extensive awareness campaign to ensure residents are fully informed about this tax relief opportunity.
The proposed advertising policy for 2025 sparked considerable discussion, with members strongly objecting to the manner in which the proposal was presented. Councillors noted that copies of the proposal and its annexures had not been provided, arguing that such an important policy required detailed scrutiny before approval. Consequently, the House decided to convene a separate special meeting dedicated to this matter.
A similar debate unfolded regarding the proposal to increase taxes on commercial properties. Former deputy mayor Vinay Kumar Pappu formally recorded his dissent, expressing concern that the hike would adversely affect small shopkeepers and middle-class traders already burdened by inflation. Despite this objection, the proposal passed with majority support. Members also voiced opposition to involving sanitation supervisors in tax collection duties, warning that this could negatively impact essential cleaning services.
Water Infrastructure Projects and CSR Initiative
The meeting cleared multiple water-related infrastructure projects, including the installation of approximately 14 high-yield tube wells in wards such as Congress Maidan, Sheikhpura, and Machhua Toli. Each of these projects is estimated to cost between Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 1.36 crore, representing a substantial investment in the city's water security.
Additional approvals included proposals under the "Har Ghar Nal Jal" scheme for Ward 3, renovation of a laundry ghat in Ward 29, and pipeline extensions in Ward 59. In a notable corporate social responsibility initiative, the corporation sanctioned a proposal to install 100 water ATMs using CSR funds from HUDCO, significantly improving access to clean drinking water across various city locations.
This comprehensive series of decisions marks a substantial step forward in Patna's urban development agenda, addressing critical infrastructure needs while establishing financial mechanisms for sustainable growth. The municipal bond approval particularly represents a forward-looking approach to urban financing that could serve as a model for other Indian cities facing similar infrastructure challenges.
