The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) finds itself embroiled in a controversy as opposition mounts against its recent decision to appoint a consultancy agency for monitoring Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in private societies. The move has sparked concerns of favouritism, unjust practices, and potential financial burdens on citizens.
Vijay Kumbhar of the Aam Admi Party, acting as a spokesperson for concerned citizens, has raised objections to the decision, citing suspicions of favouritism towards certain individuals. He expresses concern that the terms and conditions outlined in the quotation may lead to harassment of companies and potentially higher costs for citizens meeting STP conditions. The most critical concern revolves around the perceived shift of decision-making power from municipal officials to the appointed consultancy organization.
Kumbhar scrutinizes the eligibility criteria for the consulting agency, alleging that stringent conditions may indicate a predetermined process favoring a specific agency. Conditions such as a minimum of 3 years of experience and specific educational qualifications are brought under question.
The outlined tasks for the consultancy, which include regular visits, inspections of private STPs, uploading information to municipal websites, and thorough checks on STP capacity and technology, are viewed by critics as unnecessary. They argue that municipal authorities should be capable of managing the permanent functioning of STPs without relying on external agencies.
Surajya Sangharsh Samiti, along with Kumbhar, demands the immediate cancellation of the quotation process. The opposition asserts that the municipal administration should take responsibility for overseeing STPs in private societies, emphasizing the need to avoid outsourcing to a consultancy agency.
As the controversy surrounding the appointment of the consultancy agency continues to escalate, citizens and political groups are voicing their opposition, calling for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
