In a proactive move, Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar has kickstarted the review process for Pune’s municipal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The accelerated timeline is designed to ensure the completion of essential works before the imposition of the code of conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Commissioner Kumar has set a target of February 25 for concluding the tender process and issuing work orders.
As the Lok Sabha elections’ code of conduct is anticipated to be in effect from March, Commissioner Kumar’s directive underscores the urgency to commence critical projects promptly. The aim is to finalize approval and tendering procedures outlined in the 2023-24 budget, as the code of conduct typically brings a temporary halt to new initiatives within the municipal corporation.
Commissioner Kumar stressed the significance of expediting the tender process, emphasizing the need to issue work orders by February 25. This is particularly vital for projects related to maintenance and repair works allocated in the current budget.
Addressing historical delays in pre-monsoon initiatives like cleaning drains, Commissioner Kumar urged an early start to prevent setbacks. Typically scheduled for April and May, these crucial works often face delays, pushing them into June.
With the code of conduct for Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the Commissioner aims to mitigate potential hindrances by initiating the tender process for drain cleaning as early as possible. He confirmed that work orders for these initiatives would be issued post-approval of the next year’s budget, well before the implementation of the code of conduct.
