Online Lottery For Firecracker Stalls Boosts Revenue For Pune Municipal Corporation
Pune, 30th October 2023:The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has opted for an online lottery system to allocate firecracker stalls this year. This move aimed to promote fair competition and curb monopolistic practices that emerged during previous offline auctions. The decision has paid off, as PMC announced an increase in stall rents compared to the previous year.
Traditionally, the allocation of firecracker stalls was conducted through offline auctions, which had their share of controversies, including alleged bullying by political leaders. To address these concerns and ensure equal opportunities for aspiring stall owners, PMC introduced the online lottery system. The response to this approach has been positive, with this year’s lowest rent increasing from Rs 24,100 to Rs 1,75,000.
The surge in stall rents is evident, with locations that previously fetched Rs 25,000 now seeing bids go as high as Rs 2,00,000. No stall has been allocated for less than Rs 1,75,000. In contrast, last year, PMC’s maximum rent for firecracker stalls in any location was Rs 1,00,000. Last year, 16 places received less than Rs 30,000 in rent, but the online lottery has resulted in an eightfold increase this year.
PMC has designated 163 locations across 12 areas in the city for firecracker stalls. While the online auction system was met with opposition and speculation from firecracker businessmen, PMC remains committed to its online lottery approach.
Additional Commissioner Vikas Dhakne clarified that the auction will indeed be held online, despite the objections raised by some in the industry. The shift to online lotteries is expected to continue, provided any issues with the process can be addressed.
