Per capita spending varies by 2.5 times across Bengaluru corporations: Report

The total outlay of each of the newly formed Bengaluru corporations ranges between ₹3,400 crore and ₹4,700 crore, but the per capita outlay varies sharply by nearly 2.5 times across corporations, according to a budget analysis by Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy.

The total outlay of each of the newly formed Bengaluru corporations ranges between ₹3,400 crore and ₹4,700 crore, but the per capita outlay varies sharply by nearly 2.5 times across corporations, according to a budget analysis by Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy.

For example, the East corporation’s per capita outlay is ₹45,473, which is substantially higher than the West corporation’s, whose estimation is pegged at ₹17,728. This highlights the uneven distribution of resources across corporations. The per capita outlay refers to the amount a corporation is spending on an individual in its jurisdiction. The estimation is done using the population figure based on the 2011 census.

Outlay and difference

The report states that the five newly formed city corporations have presented a combined budget of ₹20,217 crore for 2025–26, marking a modest 1% increase over last year’s ₹19,927 crore.

While the overall outlay signals continuity (investing in long-term assets and infrastructure), the analysis points to variations in spending patterns and priorities across the corporations. It noted that there is relatively less investment in human development and environmental aspects compared with physical infrastructure.

For example, of the total spending, ₹10,401 crore is earmarked for capital payments, compared to ₹7,149 crore for revenue expenditure. Capital spending thus accounts for nearly 60% of the total expenditure, indicating a city-wide push toward asset creation and infrastructure expansion.