Sat Jan 31 14:44:21 UTC 2026: ### Headline: GHMC Council Approves Contentious ₹11,460 Crore Budget Amidst Scrutiny

The Story:
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Council approved a budget of ₹11,460 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27 during its final general body meeting on January 31, 2026. The budget proposal for the expanded GHMC region immediately faced questions from council members regarding the lack of clarity on budget allocation after the proposed trifurcation of the GHMC. Legislators voiced concerns over property tax re-calibration impacting lower-income residents, planned capital expenditures, and the development of infrastructure in newly merged municipalities.

The budget presentation by Commissioner R.V. Karnan and Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Anurag Jayanti failed to adequately address the queries raised by MIM legislator Mohammed Majid Hussain and BJP corporator Sravan Vurapalli. These members challenged the division of funds between the erstwhile GHMC area and the newly merged regions, demanding detailed figures on property tax and expenditure.

Key Points:

  • The GHMC Council approved a ₹11,460 crore budget for 2026-27.
  • Members questioned the ambiguous allocation of funds post-trifurcation.
  • Concerns were raised regarding property tax burden on lower-income groups.
  • Disparity in budget allocation between the original GHMC area (₹9,200 crore for 650 sq km) and merged areas (₹2,260 crore for 1,400 sq km) was highlighted.
  • Corporators demanded clarity on revenue and expenditure of newly merged ULBs.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of the budget approval, coinciding with news of the ED attaching properties of a GHMC official in a disproportionate assets case, raises questions regarding transparency and potential corruption within the corporation. The council members’ scrutiny of the budget and their demand for detailed figures could be interpreted as a direct response to these concerns. It’s plausible that the public pressure to ensure responsible spending is building.

Key Takeaways:

  • The budget approval process within the GHMC is facing increased scrutiny due to concerns regarding transparency and equitable distribution of resources.
  • The proposed trifurcation of the GHMC is creating complexities in budget allocation and raises concerns about the development of newly merged areas.
  • Allegations of corruption and disproportionate assets within the GHMC can erode public trust and necessitate greater accountability.
  • There are potential governance issues related to oversight of construction project, raising questions about who is really in charge.

Impact Analysis:

The controversies surrounding the GHMC budget and potential corruption issues could significantly impact the upcoming local elections and the overall perception of governance in Hyderabad. Continued scrutiny and demands for transparency might force the GHMC to adopt more accountable practices in the future. Failure to address these issues could result in public backlash and loss of confidence in the corporation’s ability to manage resources effectively. The long-term impact could include stricter regulatory oversight and reforms within the GHMC.

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