Pune: PMC Issues 500+ Tenders Post-Election Results, Faces Criticism
Pune, 18th June 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued over 500 tenders since the Lok Sabha election results were declared a fortnight ago, citing the urgent nature of most projects. However, this move has drawn criticism from activists and political parties, who allege mismanagement in the process.
The PMC has stated its intention to complete as many projects as possible before the model code of conduct for the state assembly elections is implemented. In response to these actions, Shiv Sena (UBT) staged a protest in front of the PMC headquarters on Tuesday.
Activists argue that the civic body is repeating a pattern observed earlier this year, where a large number of tenders were issued before the code of conduct was enforced in February. They claim that many tenders were issued to avoid losing budgetary allocations before the end of the financial year on March 31, 2023-24. Similar actions are being observed now.
The tenders have been issued across various ward offices and departments, including electrical, road, municipal zones, garden, drainage, water supply, solid waste management, and the municipal medical college.
“In many cases, these tenders appear outdated. The associated works should have been completed by now, including those crucial for the upcoming monsoon,” criticized Vijay Kumbhar of the citizens’ group Surajya Sangharsha Samiti.
Opponents of the tenders argue that the PMC must ensure public funds are used efficiently and unnecessary expenses are controlled. PMC data indicates that the administration’s expenditure has more than doubled in the past five years.
“Each department issues tenders based on its needs, with funds allocated according to the budget,” clarified Ulka Kalaskar, head of PMC’s accounts department.
