AMC Faces Opposition Criticism Over AMTS Budget Mismanagement
The opposition in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has launched a fierce critique against the administration’s failure to address the much-needed renovation of the century-old Victoria Hospital (VS Hospital). Shehzad Khan Pathan, the leader of the opposition, expressed frustration at the rising budget allocations for the healthcare institution, which, despite significant funding, continues to provide substandard services. Pathan’s remarks have sparked a fresh debate about the efficacy of AMC’s budgetary decisions, particularly regarding healthcare and public transport.
According to Pathan, a total of Rs 1,736 crore has been allocated to VS Hospital over a decade, yet the much-needed upgrades have not materialised. Pathan pointed out that the hospital had slashed its bed capacity from 1,200 to 500, and super-specialty services, once a hallmark of the hospital, have been discontinued altogether. “Despite an incremental rise in the hospital’s budget, services remain dismal, and infrastructure continues to deteriorate. This is a clear indication of mismanagement,” said Pathan.
The hospital’s budget has seen steady increases over the years. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the allocation was Rs 173 crore, which rose to Rs 184 crore in 2023-24, and further climbed to Rs 261.95 crore for 2024-25. With a current allocation of Rs 257.69 crore, the total budgetary allocation for the hospital in recent years stands at Rs 618.95 crore. Yet, this increase in funds has not translated into an improvement in the hospital’s infrastructure or services, leaving citizens questioning the administration’s priorities. The opposition has demanded greater transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilisation of these funds.
Public Transport Concerns Over AMTS Budget Allocation
The opposition’s discontent extends beyond healthcare to the allocation for the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS). The Rs 705 crore set aside for AMTS in the current budget has also come under scrutiny, particularly in light of the mounting debt of Rs 4,710 crore associated with the service. Pathan raised concerns that the lion’s share of the budget was benefitting private contractors who operate a majority of the buses. Of the 1,172 buses in AMTS’s fleet, only 118 are directly managed by the AMC, while 1,047 are operated by private contractors. The opposition claims this creates an unbalanced and inefficient system, where the public sector’s contribution to the transport service is minimal, and taxpayers’ money is funneled into the private sector.
“The budget is not being utilised to its full potential. The service is deeply indebted, and yet private contractors dominate the bus operations. This setup does not serve the public interest,” Pathan remarked. Critics argue that with such a large percentage of the fleet outsourced to private entities, the core purpose of AMTS as a public service is being undermined, favouring profit-driven motives over the welfare of the common people. The opposition insists on restructuring the transport service to reduce dependence on private operators and ensure more direct involvement from the municipal corporation.
The Sustainability Angle: A Need for Public Sector Accountability
Both the healthcare and transport sectors in Ahmedabad highlight the pressing issue of public sector accountability, especially in the face of increasing public funds being directed towards these services. The failure to improve hospital facilities despite rising budgets signals a lack of efficient utilisation of resources, raising concerns about sustainability in public sector management. In the case of AMTS, the growing debt and over-reliance on private contractors point to a lack of long-term strategic planning. Sustainable urban planning requires more than just increasing budgets; it demands a commitment to effective governance, infrastructure development, and the well-being of citizens.
As the opposition continues to demand transparency and improved service delivery, it becomes clear that Ahmedabad’s civic administration faces significant challenges in ensuring that public services remain efficient, transparent, and sustainable. Both the healthcare and transport sectors must not only be funded adequately but also be managed in a way that directly benefits the citizens. Without proper oversight and responsible fiscal management, the vision of a sustainable, well-functioning city will remain an elusive goal.
