GVMC Commissioner may get higher financial powers
The State Government is considering a proposal to raise the financial sanctioning powers of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner from ₹20 lakh to ₹2 crore. The move is aimed at expediting civic and infrastructure works in the city.
At present, the Commissioner can approve works costing up to ₹20 lakh. Works costing more than ₹20 lakh and up to ₹2 crore require the approval of the Council or Special Officer, while projects exceeding ₹2 crore need the State Government’s sanction.
Officials say the multiple levels of approval can delay urgent development works. Enhancing the Commissioner’s financial powers is expected to facilitate quicker decision-making and execution.
The proposal assumes significance as Visakhapatnam’s infrastructure requirements are expected to increase with the development of the Bhogapuram International Airport and the city’s anticipated expansion. GVMC will have to address requirements relating to roads and transport, drinking water, underground sewerage, sanitation and other civic amenities.
The proposal is reportedly being examined on the lines of the financial and administrative powers available to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). While extending powers to the same level as the GHMC may not be under consideration, the government is looking at increasing the Commissioner’s sanctioning limit to at least ₹2 crore.
GVMC, the largest municipal corporation in Andhra Pradesh, has an annual budget of over ₹4,400 crore. Officials feel that greater financial powers would provide the corporation with more flexibility to take up priority works without waiting for approvals at multiple levels.
The proposal has been placed before senior government officials, with discussions reportedly underway between the General Administration and Finance departments.
A decision is expected after the inter-departmental consultations. If approved, the move could help reduce procedural delays in implementing development works in Visakhapatnam.