the budget presentation was boycotted by some journalists, who objected after being asked by PCMC officials to make space for senior officers. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)Days after the BJP returned to power in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the civic administration on Friday presented a ₹9,322.17-crore budget for the 2026-27 financial year, with no proposal to raise taxes and a clear emphasis on water supply, public transport and completion of ongoing development works.The budget, presented by Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, is ₹352 crore lower than last year’s ₹9,674.27-crore outlay. Civic officials said the reduced size reflects slower-than-expected revenue growth.For the past four years, the budget has been presented by the administration in the absence of an elected body of corporators.“Among our top priorities is completion of ongoing water-related projects. The pipeline work to Bhama Askhed dam and augmentation of Sector 23 works are on the priority list,” Hardikar said while outlining the focus areas.Besides water projects, the budget prioritises completion of ongoing infrastructure works. “This includes our ambitious project of completing the administrative building in Chinchwad. We have also issued the work order for the cancer hospital on a PPP basis at Thergaon. Work on the hospital will now begin. Construction of the 750-bed hospital at Moshi is also a top priority,” he said.Hardikar said allocations to PMPML, the city’s public transport undertaking, have been increased. “We have raised the allocation from Rs 320 crore to Rs 400 crore so that PMPML can deploy more buses for commuter convenience,” he said.He added that the administration is focusing on completing the Mamurdi–Hinjewadi connector bridge and that the railway overbridge at Pimpri is in its final stage.Story continues below this adThe largest allocation under the budget is Rs 500 crore for civil works. “Water, transportation and solid waste management are top focus areas. On the solid waste management front, we need to set up new bio-CNG plants, complete bio-mining and upgrade waste-to-energy plants. The door-to-door collection system has become old and needs an overhaul,” Hardikar said.According to the commissioner, the core budget stands at ₹5,660.73 crore, including the opening balance, while the total outlay — including Central and state government-sponsored schemes — is ₹9,322.17 crore.“The 2026-27 budget is not just a document of figures but a solid blueprint for the holistic and balanced development of the city. By incorporating significant citizen suggestions, this budget represents a people-oriented and accountable administration. It takes firm steps towards social justice and sustainable development through the Gender Budget, welfare for the differently-abled, and infrastructure projects like Smart City and Amrut 2.0,” he said.The presentation was attended by Standing Committee members and senior officials, including Additional Commissioners Trupti Sandbhor and Vikrant Bagade, Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Pravinkumar Jain and department heads.Story continues below this adHardikar said that for the first time, nearly 4,996 suggestions were received from citizens — double last year’s figure — of which 297 were incorporated into the budget.Earlier in the day, Abhishek Barne was elected Standing Committee chairman. Hardikar and Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Pravin Jain presented the budget to Barne.Officials said the 44th budget largely continues existing schemes, with no major new projects announced. Funds have primarily been earmarked for ongoing development works.“There has been no expected growth in major revenue sources such as property tax, development fees, construction permits and state government grants. The slowdown in the construction sector has led to a decline in permit and development fees, which is reflected in the budget. As a result, the administration has adopted a path of austerity,” a civic official said.Story continues below this adTo avoid placing an additional financial burden on citizens, no tax hikes have been proposed, officials said.However, the reduced budget size and the absence of new projects have raised questions about whether the city’s development will continue at the desired pace.Meanwhile, the budget presentation was boycotted by some journalists, who objected after being asked by PCMC officials to make space for senior officers. Denying the allegation, Hardikar said, “We just asked them to make some space for the senior officials. Some journalists got upset.”“The PCMC administration did not ensure proper treatment for journalists at today’s budget. We condemn the behaviour of the civic administration,” said Raja Gaikwad, vice-president of the Pune Union of Working Journalists.Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read MoreClick here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:PCMCtax hike