In a flurry of activity, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued over 500 tenders within just 15 days, a move that has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters. This surge in tender issuances comes in the wake of impending state assembly polls and amidst allegations of budgetary mismanagement.
The Timing and Allegations
The timing of PMC’s tender spree, occurring post Lok Sabha elections and just before the model code of conduct for state assembly polls, has raised eyebrows. Critics, including activists and political parties, accuse PMC of rushing through these tenders to circumvent financial constraints that could arise once the model code of conduct is enforced. They argue that this tactic aims to secure budget allocations and avoid potential losses before the end of the fiscal year 2023-24.
Scope and Criticism
The tenders issued span across various crucial departments of PMC, encompassing sectors like electrical, road infrastructure, municipal zones, gardens, drainage, water supply, solid waste management, and the municipal medical college. This broad spectrum of tender issuances indicates a concerted effort to cover a wide range of civic projects and services.
Financial Landscape and Budgetary Concerns
Vikram Kumar, the then administrator of PMC, presented a budget of Rs 11,601 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s allocation of Rs 9,515 crore. The budgetary expansion was buoyed by anticipated financial aid totaling Rs 2,000 crore from state and central governments. This increase has pushed PMC’s municipal budget beyond the Rs 10,000 crore mark for the first time, reflecting the growing scale and complexity of municipal expenditures.
Public Reaction and Accountability
Critics from citizen groups like Surajya Sangharsh Samiti have voiced concerns over the transparency and efficacy of PMC’s tendering processes. They highlight issues with outdated tender practices and question the rationale behind the sudden surge in tender issuances.
PMC’s Response and Defenses
In defense of its actions, PMC’s accounts department, represented by Ulka Kalaskar, emphasizes that all tenders are issued in accordance with allocated budgets. This stance aims to reassure the public and stakeholders that financial controls are in place despite the rapid increase in tender activities.
