Rs 1529 Crore Raipur Municipal Budget: Electronic Market, Trade Tower, and Key Urban Developments Announced
Raipur: Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey has unveiled the Raipur Municipal Corporation’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, totaling Rs 1529 crore 53 lakh 28 thousand. The budget prioritizes urban development, focusing on infrastructure, women’s welfare, and economic growth.
Key Infrastructure Projects
The budget includes significant allocations for new infrastructure projects:
- Three working women’s hostels and women’s restrooms equipped with sanitary vending machines and baby feeding rooms.
- Hi-tech library for youth and play zones for children to foster education and recreation.
- A dedicated Divyang (differently-abled) park with an allocation of Rs 10 crore.
- Electronic market, Crystal Arcade commercial hub, and a trade tower to boost economic activity.
Public Safety and Economic Empowerment
- Rs 20 lakh allocated for surveillance cameras to enhance women’s safety in public areas.
- Digital transaction training for street vendors to promote financial inclusion.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Mayor Meenal Choubey presented the budget at the municipal corporation office in a symbolic yellow velvet file featuring Chhattisgarh Mahtari (Mother Chhattisgarh). She contrasted her budget with the previous administration’s, stating, “The former mayor presented a budget of approximately Rs 2000 crore, but only Rs 850 crore was spent. Our budget is realistic, and we are committed to executing all planned projects.”
The opposition, however, has criticized the budget. Leader of Opposition Sandeep Sahu labeled it a “failure budget,” arguing that it neglects essential services like:
- A cow sanctuary for cattle protection.
- Adequate mosquito eradication measures.
- Pond conservation efforts.
Similarly, Congress Councillor Akash Tiwari expressed skepticism, citing a lack of confidence in the ‘triple engine’ government. He noted the absence of concrete plans for widening Tatya Para Chowk, a major traffic bottleneck, and highlighted the continued inclusion of previously announced projects like “Bapuji’s Hut” for senior citizens and open gyms.
Mayor’s Response and Future Outlook
Acknowledging the challenges inherited from the previous administration, Mayor Choubey reaffirmed her commitment: “After 15 years, as the BJP Mayor, I have presented my first budget. We have included all necessary developments, and we will strive to complete every planned project.”
While the budget outlines ambitious goals, its success will depend on effective execution and addressing opposition concerns about basic amenities and feasibility. The coming fiscal year will test the administration’s ability to balance aspirations with implementation.
