Pune, 22nd June 2023: The Maharashtra state government has taken a significant step towards the development of 34 villages that were merged with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). To oversee the development initiatives in these villages, the government has formed a committee chaired by the divisional commissioner, comprising people’s representatives. Adequate funds have also been allocated for the implementation of various developmental projects in these areas.
The announcement of the committee formation has faced opposition from former corporators who believe that no other committee should supersede the authority of the municipal corporation.
In recent years, the Pune Municipal Corporation expanded its jurisdiction by including 11 villages in 2017 and an additional 23 villages in 2021. However, two villages, Uruli Devachi and Fursungi, were excluded from the municipality. As of now, the Pune Municipal Corporation governs 32 villages.
The villages that were included in the expansion process have been grappling with a lack of essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, and waste management systems. Sunil Tingre, the MLA of Vadgaonsheri, raised this issue in the Legislative Assembly, emphasizing that despite the collection of taxes from the residents of these villages, the corresponding amenities provided were insufficient.
In response to the challenges faced by these villages, the state government has committed to establishing a committee led by the Divisional Commissioner. The committee, comprising local people’s representatives, will oversee the development projects, formulate necessary policies, and ensure their effective implementation.
Nana Bhangire, the Shiv Sena city chief, had previously written a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, highlighting the issues in the affected villages. In response to his letter, the state’s urban development department issued an order to form the committee, with copies of the letter sent to both the Pune Municipal Commissioner and the Pune Divisional Commissioner.
While the state government’s decision is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by these villages, former corporators of the Pune Municipal Corporation have voiced their opposition. According to them, the Pune Municipality is responsible for the development plan for villages included in 2017, while the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) handles villages added in 2021. The PMRDA is also responsible for granting construction permissions in the area, and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) within PMRDA limits is permissible. Critics argue that the formation of the committee violates the 74th amendment of the constitution and encroaches upon the authority of local bodies.
Former opposition leaders, including Ujjwal Keskar, Suhas Kulkarni, and former corporator Prashant Badhe, have demanded that an unauthorized committee should not supersede the jurisdiction of the Pune Municipal Corporation.
The formation of the committee by the Maharashtra state government reflects its commitment to addressing the developmental needs of the merged villages. However, it remains to be seen how the opposition’s concerns will be addressed and if a consensus can be reached to ensure the smooth implementation of development initiatives in these areas.
