THE GOAN NETWORK
SALIGAO
The Saligao panchayat has presented an enhanced budget for the year 2016-17, after getting grants from the department of Science and Technology and 14th Finance Commission.
The budget estimates for 2016-17 were presented to the residents on Sunday.
In the Rs 1.38 crore proposed budget, the panchayat has shown grants from the government as Rs 31.57 lakh, which includes Octroi (Rs 6 lakh), matching grants (Rs 4.5 lakh), RDA grant (Rs 4.5 lakh), GIA grant (Rs 6 lakh), Science and Technology grant (Rs 3 lakh) and garbage grants (Rs 1 lakh).
Income by way of taxes has been projected as Rs 11.41 lakh, which includes house tax (Rs 7.5 lakh), professional tax (Rs 2.5 lakh) and signboard/hoarding tax (Rs 20,000).
The income through fees has been estimated at Rs 11.58 lakh, which includes construction license fees (Rs 2.5 lakh), NOC/commercial fees (Rs 4.5 lakh) and certificate fees (Rs 3.85 lakh).
On the expenditure front, an amount of Rs 79.75 lakh has been earmarked for public works, which includes construction of drains and roads, streetlights, purchase of electrical materials, beatification works etc. The administration expenses has been shown Rs 30.03 lakh.
For sanitary and public health and family welfare, a provision of Rs 8.54 lakh has been made in the budget, of which Rs 7.5 lakh is for disposal of garbage. An amount of Rs 2.35 lakh has been earmarked for social work and cultural activities and Rs 95,000 for cattle pound.
Saligao Sarpanch Eknath Oroskar informed the residents that the actual budget for the year 2015-16 was Rs 98.91 lakh.
“Since the panchayat succeeded in getting grants from the department of Science and Technology and 14th Finance Commission, the budget estimates were enhanced for the year 2016-17,” he said.
Asked about funds for the cattle pound, Oraskar admitted that the panchayat did not impound any cattle so far, but as per High Court directives, every panchayat has to make provision for a cattle pound.
“The panchayat has taken a small area for a cattle pound on rental basis, but it is not being used,” said the sarpanch.
