Mayor Firhad Hakim presents Kolkata Budget with a deficit of ₹114.72 crore

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim presented the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) budget for the 2025-26 financial year, revealing a deficit of ₹114.72 crore, an increase of ₹2.72 crore from last year’s ₹112 crore. While presenting the budget, the mayor claimed that revenue collection has increased across various sectors and asserted that the corporation's financial condition is improving. He also highlighted key focus areas, including slum development, commercial projects, road infrastructure, solid waste management, and water supply improvements.

According to budget estimates, KMC’s revenue in 2023-24 was ₹2,786.52 crore, with an expenditure of ₹2,466.22 crore, leaving a balance of ₹320.30 crore. For 2024-25, the projected revenue stands at ₹4,008.63 crore, while estimated expenditure is ₹3,658.14 crore, potentially leaving a surplus of ₹351.49 crore. The budget did not specify detailed allocations for all sectors but emphasized ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at improving civic infrastructure.

The opposition strongly criticized the budget, alleging mismanagement of funds and lack of financial transparency. BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh stated, "Through this budget, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has made a mockery of the citizens." Another BJP councillor, Meena Devi Purohit, said, "How will development take place in KMC areas? The budget funds of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation are all going into the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme!" They also raised concerns over revenue collection from unauthorized parking and building construction taxes, claiming a lack of regulation and oversight.

Recent structural issues in Kolkata’s high-rises were also a point of concern, but the budget did not outline specific financial provisions to address this. The state government has engaged IIT Kharagpur experts and formed a new committee responsible for approving building plans to prevent future structural risks. However, financial allocations or policy changes related to this initiative were not mentioned in the budget.

The KMC budget continues to focus on core civic services while dealing with an increasing financial shortfall. The growing deficit has raised questions about expenditure planning and revenue generation strategies. The mayor emphasized ongoing infrastructure projects and improved revenue collection, while opposition leaders highlighted concerns over financial management and alleged misallocation of funds.