Panchkula Mayor gifts residents’ garbage collection fee exemption

Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal of the Municipal Corporation made a significant announcement, offering a generous gift to city residents by waiving garbage collection charges for the fiscal year 2023-24.

During a Municipal Corporation Panchkula meeting on Thursday, some councillors expressed displeasure about the garbage collection fees, prompting BJP councilors to demand their cancellation. Subsequently, it was decided to waive these charges, along with the approval of various issues raised during the budget meeting.

Kulbhushan Goyal shared that after thorough discussions, a budget of Rs 255 crore was presented by the Municipal Corporation. The budget session witnessed the presence of BJP, Congress, Jananayak Janata Party, independent councilors, and corporation officials.

He highlighted the waiver of door-to-door garbage collection charges in Panchkula city for the year 2023-24, excluding commercial properties. Additionally, provisions were made to provide funding for two years of uniforms for Safai Mitras, municipal sanitation workers, and scholarships for their children scoring above 80 percent in academics.

Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal reflected on the growth of the Municipal Corporation budget from Rs 129 crore three years ago to the current Rs 255 crore. He emphasized the allocation of significant funds for park maintenance and other city improvement projects.
The discussion also touched upon the low recovery of income from mobile towers and lines, leading to a decision to increase recovery efforts, with notices to be issued within a week.

In terms of the budget for the year 2024-25, Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal outlined the estimated income sources, including FDR income, electricity duty, property tax, license fees, stamp duty, development charges, and more. Expenditure details were also presented, covering contingency, development works, and other expenses.