Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has approved an increase in the reimbursement limits for mobile phones and laptops provided to councillors, citing evolving technological requirements. The decision was cleared by the Standing Committee during its meeting on Thursday.

Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel said the civic body has replaced the earlier system of reimbursing monthly mobile bills of ₹1,500–₹2,000 with a common SIM plan costing around ₹160 plus GST for officials.

He added that councillors, who have been eligible since 2017 to purchase a mobile phone once every two-and-a-half years, will now be reimbursed up to ₹17,000 instead of the earlier ₹12,000.

The reimbursement limit for laptops and related equipment has also been revised. Previously, councillors could claim up to ₹75,000 for a laptop and ₹15,000 for a printer once every five years. The overall limit has now been increased by ₹10,000 to enable the purchase of upgraded laptops, printers and scanners.

On civic infrastructure, Patel said the AMC has identified more than 150 locations across Ahmedabad that are vulnerable to road settlement due to previous water supply, drainage and other underground utility works.

He said the civic body is continuously monitoring these sites and carrying out backfilling and watering to minimise the risk of settlement. The Standing Committee has also directed officials to ensure that all future excavation and drainage works are followed by proper backfilling and watering in accordance with prescribed standards to prevent road damage. DeshGujarat