Mayor to present BBMP budget on July 20

BANGALORE: The government on Tuesday cleared the long-pending tussle over presenting the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for 2013-14. As per the Urban Development Department directive, mayor D Venkatesh Murthy will present it on July 20 during a special council meet.
Murthy will set a record as the first mayor to present a budget for the second consecutive time.Even though his term got over on April 26, 2013, there have been no elections to the post as a related reservation issue is pending in the high court.
Murthy has directed Palike officials to finalize the budget draft and give it to him. BBMP sources said unlike the previous year when the budget outlay touched close to Rs 10,000 crore, the budget for 2013-14 would be more realistic and be around Rs 8,000 crore.
The UDD directive said the government can't keep the budget pending as three months are already over in the financial year. It would be problematic to tackle rain-related fury without proper funds in Palike. Also, budget allocation is necessary to carry out routine citizen services including solid waste management, street-lighting, staff salaries etc., the order said.
The mayor should come up with a realistic budget keeping in view the revenues and expenditure the Palike is currently dealing with, the UDD order said.
In the past three months, confusion reigned over the budget and with no elections to the mayor's post, there was a dilemma if the existing mayor or the commissioner should present the budget.