Gaya civic body budget focuses on infra, sanitation

Gaya: The standing committee of Gaya Municipal Corporation on Friday approved a budget of around Rs 572 crore for the financial year 2026-27. The budget, which focuses on infrastructure development, sanitation, environment protection, transportation and enhancement of civic amenities, will now be presented before the municipal board for final approval.Mayor Virendra Kumar alias Ganesh Paswan, who presided over the meeting, said, “The budget was prepared on the principle of ‘no profit, no loss’. Its primary objective is to develop Gaya Ji, considered as Bihar’s religious capital, into smart city and transform the city's image at par with international standards.”Standing committee member and former deputy mayor Akhouri Onkarnath alias Mohan Shrivastava said, “Under the national urban livelihood mission (NULM), skill training in different trades including computer, stitching and beauty parlour will be imparted to thousands of men and women for making them self-dependent by creating employment opportunities. Provision for establishing old-age homes, health centres, construction of community halls in all wards and new homes under housing scheme has also been made in the budget.”The proposed budget also prioritises construction of major and minor roads and drains in all wards, beautification of important intersections of the city, development of water fountains at different squares, strengthening of the water supply system, and installation of streetlights and high-mast lights. Under the guidelines of the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions, significant expenditure will be made on solid waste management, the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission and subjects listed under the 12th Schedule.Under the pollution control initiative, steps will be taken in accordance with the guidelines of the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions by establishing a solid waste treatment plant for treatment of construction and demolition waste, installation of smog towers and development of green areas through plantation.