Raipur Civic Body’s ₹1600 Crore Budget Proposes New Event Tax, Cleanliness Fee for Community Feasts

The budget, set to be presented on March 30, introduces user charges for public events and community kitchens while keeping existing taxes unchanged, with a focus on resolving long-pending civic issues.

The Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) is set to table a ₹1,600 crore budget for the fiscal year on March 30, introducing a new levy that will require organisers to pay for holding public events and community feasts. For the first time, the civic body has proposed a user charge for exhibitions, expos, magic shows, and fairs, regardless of whether they are held on private or government land, aiming to offset sanitation and waste management costs.

New Tax on Events

Under the proposed financial plan, organisers will be required to pay a daily fee of ₹500 for every 10,000 square feet of area used for events. This charge will apply to a wide range of gatherings, including commercial exhibitions and community fairs. Officials have clarified that this is not a revenue-generation measure but a user fee intended to cover the cost of cleaning and waste disposal associated with such large gatherings.

Cleanliness Fee Rationale

The budget also introduces a mandatory sanitation fee for community feasts, known locally as bhandaras, and langars. Organisers of these community kitchens will have to pay a daily ₹500 fee. Municipal officials stated that during festivals and religious processions, a significant amount of waste is generated at roadside community kitchens. The advance payment is designed to ensure better waste management and proper cleanliness after the events conclude.

Focus on Women’s Safety

Sources indicate that this year’s budget places a strong emphasis on women’s safety and convenience. The civic body is expected to launch new digital initiatives aimed at empowering women, with substantial funding allocations set aside for these projects. Additionally, a proposal for free travel for women in city buses is under consideration, a move aimed at improving mobility and accessibility for female residents.

Solving the Waterlogging Crisis

Moving beyond cosmetic projects, a significant portion of the budget has been allocated to tackle chronic civic problems. A key priority is Professor Colony, a residential area that faces severe waterlogging every monsoon. The persistent flooding leaves dozens of homes submerged, making it difficult for residents to enter their properties. A comprehensive plan with dedicated funding has been proposed to permanently resolve this issue.

Mayor’s Second Budget

This marks Mayor Meenal Choubey’s second budget presentation, following a ₹1,529 crore budget last year. Unlike the previous fiscal plan, which focused heavily on beautification, road infrastructure, and traffic improvements, this year’s blueprint prioritises basic services like electricity, water supply, and road repairs. Mayor Choubey emphasised a practical approach, stating that the focus is on solving real problems rather than making hollow announcements.

What Next for the City

The budget will be presented alongside 17 key agenda items in the municipal council meeting. These include proposals to name a square after martyr ASP Akash Rao Girepunje and rename a road after freedom fighter Ayodhya Prasad. The rehabilitation of shopkeepers from the Kiran Building is also on the list. With a focus on fiscal prudence and resolving infrastructure bottlenecks, the new Raipur civic budget aims to balance event regulation with urban development.