Annapurna Yojana rollout begins in Siliguri; SDO to oversee 33 wards
Following the change in regime, the state's administrative priorities and implementation mechanisms have begun reflecting the new government's policy direction.
Mayor Goutam Deb on Friday tabled the Budget of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) for the financial year 2026-27, proposing an outlay of over Rs 638 crore. He also presented the revised Budget for 2025-26, pegged at Rs 456 crore.
With the Assembly elections approaching, the Mayor placed special emphasis on key civic projects, particularly ongoing drinking water schemes across Siliguri municipal areas and Solid Waste Management initiatives. He said future expansion of waste management projects would depend on the availability of land at the dumping ground.
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Addressing reporters, Mr Deb said the proposed Budget includes a new pay structure policy for casual workers aimed at providing them greater financial stability. At present, 126 casual workers are set to benefit from the move, which he described as a step towards a more permanent solution to their long-pending demands.
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He further announced a four per cent increase in remuneration for SMC employees this year, following a 10 per cent hike last year.
The Mayor claimed that the corporation earned over Rs 300 crore in the past nine months. From its own funds, the civic body has decided to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 500 to beneficiaries under three categories, including widows, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections.
The Budget also outlines several development initiatives focusing on community welfare and infrastructure improvement across the city.
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