Mumbai: A recent study by the Praja Foundation and Tata Institute of Social Sciences has revealed sharp disparities in civic spending across Mumbai, with Muslim-majority areas like Govandi and Mankhurd receiving the lowest budget allocations from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The report shows that despite the BMC’s total budget doubling in the past five years, spending in marginalized localities has fallen. The M-East Ward, which covers Govandi and Mankhurd, recorded the lowest per capita civic expenditure at ₹213 per person. In contrast, affluent A-Ward areas such as Colaba and Fort received ₹2,669 per person.
Researchers found the disparity most visible in road maintenance, sanitation, and waste management services. While wealthier wards saw visible infrastructure improvements, residents in M-East Ward continue to face poor drainage, garbage accumulation, and neglected public health facilities.
The report examined budget allocations for all 24 municipal wards between FY 2021–22 and FY 2025–26. It concluded that funds were consistently skewed in favor of developed neighborhoods, leaving underprivileged and minority-dominated areas under-resourced.
Activists said the findings highlight institutional neglect and call for transparent mechanisms to ensure fair distribution of civic resources. They argue that equal access to basic amenities is essential for social stability and public health. The study urges the BMC to adopt a data-driven approach to urban governance and prioritize inclusive city planning for all communities.
