Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 24 (NationPress) In a momentous political development for the capital, the BJP-led council of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation unveiled its first-ever Budget on Tuesday, vowing to mark a significant departure from previous administrations with an assertive focus on infrastructure, welfare, and governance reforms.

This Budget is particularly noteworthy as it comes on the heels of the party's remarkable win in the 101-member council, marking the first instance of BJP gaining control over the Corporation.

The party independently clinched 50 seats and garnered the backing of one of the two Independent councilors, allowing it to establish a clear majority and form the governing body.

While presenting the Budget, Deputy Mayor G.S. Ashanath proclaimed that "what has remained unchanged will now undergo transformation," indicating a realignment of priorities.

The proposals aim to elevate living conditions in the capital while tackling longstanding urban issues through what the council refers to as sustainable solutions.

A standout initiative is a Corporation-funded housing program designed to assist the homeless, wherein the civic body will fully fund house construction for qualifying recipients.

Additionally, Rs 20 crore has been allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

To combat hunger in the city, Rs 2 crore has been dedicated to subsidized meals under the Atal Canteen initiative, and an Atal Supermarket is set to launch with an investment of Rs 1 crore.

Healthcare improvements have been prioritized, with Rs 1.5 crore earmarked for enhancing Prime Health Lab facilities.

Partnering with Hindustan Latex Limited, the Corporation plans to establish a diagnostic center equipped with CT scan, MRI, and X-ray facilities, plus 50 collection centers throughout the city.

Urban sanitation and infrastructure development also feature prominently in the Budget.

In line with the Swachh Bharat initiative, Rs 20 crore has been allocated for the installation of 200 modern public toilets.

The Budget also proposes Rs 10 crore for expanding the sewer network and an additional Rs 10 crore for creating model roads that connect various wards.

Measures for managing stray dogs include a new shelter and ABC center, each costing Rs 3 crore, along with a portable crematorium priced at Rs 50 lakh.

Furthermore, tourism and international outreach have been included, with Rs 50 lakh allocated for a spiritual tourism circuit linking the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal, Vettucaud, and Beemapally.

An International Office will be established to prepare the city for hosting global sporting events, such as the Commonwealth Games.

A Rs 5 crore 'Sunrise Project' aims to position Thiruvananthapuram as the nation’s first elderly-friendly city.

Mayor V.V. Rajesh expressed the ambition to transform the capital into the best city in India by 2030 and the world's leading municipal corporation by 2035, leveraging Central schemes to expedite development.

The Budget address subtly criticized the former administration, emphasizing that governance should prioritize the needs of citizens over accolades.