The Chennai Corporation is yet to receive ₹350 crore allocated by the Central Government for the financial year 2024-25, Chennai Mayor R. Priya informed the city corporation council on Friday. She was responding to queries raised by BJP councillor Uma Anandan during the debate session.Concerns Over Budget Deficit
During the discussion, Uma Anandan pointed out discrepancies in the corporation’s financial statement. She noted that while the budget document mentioned a revenue of ₹5,145 crore and an expenditure of ₹5,124 crore, the actual details reflected only ₹4,414 crore, leaving a deficit of ₹700 crore. She demanded a complete audit and called for Tamil Nadu ministers to actively participate in GST meetings.
Her remarks triggered objections from DMK, VCK, and Congress councillors, leading to commotion in the council.
Property Tax Hike and Fund Delay
Mayor R. Priya responded, stating that the central government had linked fund allocation to a 6% increase in property tax. “We have complied with their demand and increased property tax, but the public is directly affected by this move,” she said. Despite this, the ₹350 crore owed to the Chennai Corporation has not been released as the financial year nears its end on March 31, 2025.
Education Budget Allocation Clarified
Meanwhile, Ward 4 councillor R. Jayaram raised concerns over low budget allocation for education, pointing out that only ₹5 crore was allotted for the education department in the 2025-26 budget. However, the Revenue and Finance Chairman clarified that funds for constructing schools and Anganwadis would be provided under the “buildings” allocation, while materials like displays and globes would be covered separately.