In a historic effort towards transforming Jabalpur into a metropolitan city, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, on Friday presented Jabalpur Municipal Corporation’s development-oriented budget of about Rs 1,800 crore for financial year 2025-26. The budget proposed income of Rs 17,970.29 crore and an estimated expenditure of Rs 17,969.42 crore, leaving a projected surplus of Rs 8.48 lakh. Incharge, Revenue Department Anshul Raghvendra Yadav presented the budget both digital and hard copy to the Chairperson, the Mayor and the Leader of Opposition during the meeting held at Pt Bhawani Prasad Tiwari auditorium. Later, addressing the House the Mayor emphasised that the budget aims to make JMC self-reliant, generate employment for educated youth and provide infrastructural development for sports enthusiasts, artists, environmentalists and all denizens of the city.

 

 

The 43-point budget plan also includes initiatives for education, sanitation, healthcare, city bus services, beautification of lakes, roads, drainage systems, parks and drinking water supply. The Mayor assured that no new tax burdens have been introduced, making the budget citizen-friendly. He highlighted that an estimated Rs 3,000 crore worth of developmental projects will be carried out during the coming term, while Rs 1,200 crore worth of projects have already been completed, including Rs 427 crore for construction of roads, drainage systems and bridges. Rs 65.3 crore for development of 120 public gardens. Rs 8.16 crore for improvements in city’s electrical infrastructure. Rs 75 crore for water distribution, sanitation and other civic amenities.

 

He urged all members to rise above party politics and approve the budget unanimously for the city’s benefit. He welcomed constructive suggestions from the Opposition and assured that necessary amendments would be made if required. He expressed confidence that by the end of the current term Jabalpur would develop alike Indore and Bhopal, if not surpass them. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Amrish Mishra demanded time for budget discussions to address governance concerns, corruption and sanitation issues. The demand led to a heated debate in the House. Ruling party member Kamlesh Agrawal countered that traditionally, the Mayor presents the budget and the session is adjourned, calling Mishra’s demand an unnecessary deviation from established norms. The budget meeting was later adjourned for April 16.