VIJAYAWADA: The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) on Saturday approved a Rs 1,454.58 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, with revenue and other income projected at Rs 1,309.53 crore and expenditure at Rs 1,454.58 crore, resulting in a Rs 145 crore deficit.
The budget meeting, chaired by Mayor Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi at the Council Hall, saw participation from YSRCP, TDP, BJP, and CPM corporators, along with Municipal Commissioner HM Dhyanachandra and other officials.
The Mayor stated that the budget was prepared without imposing additional tax burdens and aimed to be fair to all sections of society. She emphasised that the revised estimates for 2024-25 and the full budget for 2025-26 were formulated after extensive consultations.
Mayor Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi also highlighted the governing body’s achievements over the past four years.
The Standing Committee approved the budget resolution on March 11, 2025, before its presentation in the Council meeting.
The draft budget was prepared following the Municipal Administration Department’s guidelines as per G.O.M.S. No. 640, issued on July 16, 1968.
TDP members raised concerns about fund allocations and pending dues from the State government.
Corporator Bandi Punyashila pointed out discrepancies, noting a gap between last year’s estimate and the revised figures.
TDP floor leader Nellibandla Balaswamy accused the administration of misrepresenting figures, calling the budget a financial burden on the public.