Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday presented its draft budget of ₹1,050 crore for the financial year 2026–27 at the 38th General Council meeting held at the BMC headquarters. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Sulochana Das.
As per the draft budget, BMC expects to mobilise ₹300 crore through its own revenue sources, while ₹750 crore is projected to come as grants from the State Government.
Addressing the General Council, Mayor Sulochana Das stressed the importance of strengthening BMC’s internal revenue generation, noting that higher own-income would positively influence allocations under the 15th and upcoming 16th Finance Commissions. She urged officials to strictly follow existing regulations and improve revenue collection mechanisms. The Mayor also proposed the construction of ward offices in all wards by the end of the next financial year.
In a significant decision, the General Council unanimously resolved to impose a complete ban on the sale of gutkha within BMC limits. Sale of gutkha at vending zones and OMFED booths will result in immediate cancellation of licences. The ban will be enforced strictly across the city through intensified drives. The council further decided to remove all gutkha-related hoardings, warning agencies against installing such advertisements and stating that violators will face penalties in accordance with the state government’s gutkha prohibition law.
BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, while addressing the House, sought the cooperation of corporators for the successful organisation of the upcoming Patha Utsav at Infocity. He informed members that the Khandagiri Kumbh Mela is progressing smoothly and appealed for collective efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct of Lord Lingaraj’s Jagar Yatra.
Rana said funds under the 15th Finance Commission are expected shortly and will be utilised for the renovation of goshalas and markets, along with road and drainage projects. While tenders for some works have already been finalised, others are currently under the tendering process.
The House was also informed that the state government will no longer bear rent expenses for Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWC) operating from rented buildings. These centres will be shifted to government or BMC-owned premises. However, it was unanimously decided that no UHWC under BMC jurisdiction will be closed.
Work on a modern fish market near Pandara has already commenced. Authorities were directed to complete the ISKCON and Rasulgarh drainage projects before the onset of the monsoon, along with desilting of major and internal drains across the city.
The renovation of the Chandrasekharpur Kalyan Mandap will begin soon. The council also discussed the rehabilitation of people affected by the Hatapodi No. 1 project, with a directive to complete the process within the next 30 days.
Deputy Mayor Manjulata Kahar, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, Finance and Taxation Standing Committee Chairman Rajkishore Das, City Engineer Narad Chandra Rath, Additional Commissioners Ratnakar Sahu and Kailash Chandra Das, and Chief Finance Officer Deepak Ranjan Behera were present at the meeting.
