Pune: After a prolonged delay of six months, the much-anticipated budget meeting for the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is finally set to take place today (September 23).

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is also the chairperson of the PMRDA, will preside over the meeting, with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar also expected to participate.

The financial year began six months ago, but the approval of the PMRDA's budget has been postponed repeatedly due to the Chief Minister’s unavailability.

This delay has caused significant concern, as many critical projects in Pune, including the construction of the Ring Road, metro expansions, and improvements in water supply and public transportation, have been awaiting budgetary approval.

Normally, the budget for PMRDA is sanctioned in March, before the start of the new financial year. However, this year, the process was disrupted due to the code of conduct imposed for the Lok Sabha elections in March.

After the election results were declared in June, the meeting continued to be delayed due to the Chief Minister’s packed schedule with legislative assembly preparations, political discussions, and party activities.

Adding to the anticipation is the PMRDA’s proposal to reduce the fees required to regularize houses under the Gunthewari Act. This decision, which would offer significant financial relief to thousands of citizens within PMRDA’s jurisdiction, is expected to be approved in today’s meeting.

The revision of Gunthewari rates, along with the finalization of allocations for the 2024-25 budget, will be key items on the agenda.

Last year, PMRDA’s total budget was approximately Rs 1,926 crore. This year, citizens are keen to see how much the budget will increase, especially with critical projects like the Ring Road, Metro, Town Planning Scheme, PMPML improvements, roadworks, water supply, and bridges in the pipeline.