The voting process for the elections of 29 municipal corporations in the state, including Mumbai, has been completed, and the counting of votes will take place on January 16. The entire state of Maharashtra is focused on who will take control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the richest and most influential local self-government body in the country. Against this backdrop, many are wondering how much salary the mayor of Mumbai, the head of such a large municipal corporation, actually receives. Notably, the mayor of the BMC, which controls a budget of thousands of crores, does not receive a very large salary. The mayor of Mumbai Municipal Corporation is primarily a constitutional and administrative head. Instead of a fixed large salary, the mayor is given an honorarium and allowances. The actual administrative reins are in the hands of the municipal commissioner. Therefore, the position of mayor is considered more important for political influence, prestige, and decision-making ability than for financial benefits.
Meanwhile, after a delay of four years, there is special attention on the BMC elections held this year. For the financial year 2025-26, BMC has presented a budget of ₹74,427 crore. Due to revenue from property tax, development fees, water charges, and investments, BMC's budget is larger than that of some small states. The municipal corporation is responsible for basic services such as roads, sewers, water supply, hospitals, schools, public transport, and waste management in the city. About 58% of the total budget is used for infrastructure and capital expenditure. Approximately ₹5,545 crore is allocated for sewage treatment projects, while ₹2,270 crore is provided for strengthening the water supply.
Less than 10 percent of the budget is spent on health services, while approximately ₹5,548 crore is spent annually on waste collection and processing systems. Additionally, the BMC runs more than 400 schools and provides financial assistance of about ₹1,000 crore to the 'BEST' bus service. Against this backdrop, even though the mayor's salary is low, control over the BMC is considered politically very important. Therefore, who will become the mayor of Mumbai will determine the future of the state's politics.
What does the municipal corporation do?
The municipal corporation manages everything from roads and sewers to hospitals, schools, and public transport.
Approximately 58%, a large portion of the budget for infrastructure and capital expenditure, is allocated.
A significant portion is allocated for road and traffic management.
Another portion is allocated for water and sewage infrastructure.
Approximately 5,545 crores and 2,270 crores are allocated for sewage treatment projects to strengthen Mumbai's water supply network.
Less than 10% of the total budget is allocated for health services.
Every year, the municipal corporation spends approximately 5,548 crores on waste collection, processing, and landfill management.
More than 400 municipal schools are run in Mumbai, and this fund is used to improve school infrastructure.
The BMC provides financial assistance of ₹1,000 crores to BEST, Mumbai's lifeline bus service.
A large portion of the budget is reserved for administrative expenses, including salaries, pensions, and benefits for thousands of BMC employees.