Mumbai Corporators Push for 67% Hike in Ward Development Fund to ₹1 Crore

Mumbai corporators are seeking a significant hike in their annual ward development fund, proposing an increase from ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore per corporator. The proposal, moved by BJP corporator Ashwini Mate, highlights mounting civic expenditure and inflationary pressures on essential ward-level works including road repairs, sanitation, public toilets and garden maintenance.

Corporators argue that after deducting 18 per cent GST and 14 per cent BMC charges, the existing allocation is severely depleted before work execution. Rising material and labour costs have further strained budgets. Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Sachin Padwal supported the move, noting that development fund costs have escalated significantly over nine years. The notice of motion is scheduled for approval at the BMC's next general body meeting.