The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sought an extension from the Maharashtra state government to delay the announcement of its annual civic budget until 4 March 2026. This request comes as the mayoral candidate has not yet been selected following the recently concluded civic elections.
According to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and state government rules, elections must be held by 4 February every year. Typically, the budget is presented by the municipal commissioner and handed over to the standing committee chairperson and the Mayor.
Although the elected representatives have been finalised, the mayor is chosen through a lottery system conducted by the Urban Development Department to determine reservation categories. Political parties then nominate candidates, and the mayor is elected by a vote in the BMC assembly.
The mayor also nominates chairpersons for statutory committees, including the civic standing committee, which oversees the financial affairs of the BMC. Since the budget must be presented to both the mayor and the standing committee chairperson, the budget announcement can only take place after these appointments are completed.
Source: The Indian Express
