Panaji: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) on Tuesday approved a revenue surplus budget of Rs 107.17 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, with nearly Rs 25 crore earmarked for developmental works.
Mayor Rohit Monserrate told reporters that the budget 2026-27 focuses on major development initiatives, including a dedicated centre for autistic children. He said house tax has not been hiked to avoid placing an additional burden on citizens.
“The corporation’s focus is on the development of the city, with several new projects being initiated, including the construction of a respite centre for special children at Caranzalem and the beautification of Church Square,” said CCP Commissioner Clen Madeira.
He said that the corporation is also focusing on increasing revenue collection without burdening citizens with excessive taxation. He said that through the Ashtami fair held at the promenade, CCP earned revenue of Rs 1.15 crore, compared to Rs 1.10 crore and around Rs 90 lakh earned in previous years.
“There has been a quantum jump because of the efficiency in collection. We want to replicate it in whatever we do this year, including other fairs. Revenue should come into the Corporation through such fees, and we also do not want to burden the people with excessive taxation,” he said.
The commissioner also stated that the CCP has managed to save nearly Rs 1 crore in fuel expenses without reducing services. He said desilting works, weed cutting, tree pruning and other civic works are continuing as usual, but with better monitoring and control resulting in reduced operational costs.
Speaking on film shootings in heritage areas, he said, “Permissions are given by the corporation and we have clearly told them that in certain areas they cannot shoot, like Sao Tome, Fontainhas and Latin heritage areas.”
He warned that any violation would result in immediate action by municipal inspectors and police.
