Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) will give grants to more than 345 organisations and committees worth crores of rupees which will be collected from the tax hike this year, too. On one hand, money will be collected from the public by increased tax rates. On the other, the BMC will donate more than Rs 3 crore of public money in the form of grants to 345 organisations, including NGOs and press clubs in the city. A significant portion of these funds will be allocated for festive events, such as Dussehra celebrations, with individual grants starting from Rs 25k.
In 2023-24 financial year, 143 organisations received grants, with the highest amount capped at Rs 1 lakh. However, this year the number of beneficiaries has risen dramatically, with 240 organisations receiving grants and the maximum grant amount increasing to Rs 1.5 lakh. The trend continues, as 345 organisations are set to benefit in 2024-25, with over 40 of them receiving Rs 2 lakh each and more than 50 receiving Rs 1 lakh.
The growing number of grant recipients has sparked controversy. Congress councillor Mohammad Sarwar, representing Ward 16, raised objections during BMC's budget meeting, questioning increase in grants. Sarwar claimed that the initiative, originally intended to support NGOs and social welfare groups, has now expanded to include festivals and organisations linked to the BJP.
In response, BMC Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi defended the practice, stating that it had been in place for decades and that BMC had worked to make the process more transparent. Suryavanshi also mentioned that steps had been taken to prevent organisations from outside city limits from benefiting.
Organisations receiving grants grow excessively
Councilor Mohammad Sarwar told Free Press that the number of organisations receiving grants has grown excessively, citing a sharp increase from around 30-35 recipients in 2005 to the current 345.
NGOs working extremely well
BMC Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi told Free Press that there are many NGOs that are working extremely well for the city and they need funds to proceed. We have taken major steps against those organisations that were not registered within Bhopal and also reduced overspending. Suryavanshi further said that a few years ago the amount was exceeded up to Rs 5-6 lakh per organisation.
