Work Disrupted in Pune Municipal Corporation Amid Officer Transfers

Pune, 22nd March 2024: Following the implementation of the Lok Sabha election code of conduct, a flurry of officer transfers has been observed in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Today, the Maharashtra government executed transfers affecting Deputy Commissioners Santosh Warule and Asha Raut, from zones and Chetna Kerure zones from the Sports Department.

The Election Commission’s directive mandates the transfer of officers who have served in a district for over three years. Officers on deputation from the Maharashtra Government’s service are being shuffled within the PMC. Notably, Warule, Raut, and Kerure have been replaced, adding to the recent transfer of Additional Commissioner Vikas Dhakne. Currently, Ravindra Binwade holds the distinction of being the sole senior Additional Commissioner in PMC.

With the fiscal year ending on March 31st, contractors are urged to expedite bill approvals and payments for ongoing projects. However, amidst the chaos of meeting deadlines, the transfer of key officers and redistribution of responsibilities have disrupted workflow within the PMC.

Upon assuming office, Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale conducted a departmental review meeting, during which senior PMC officials struggled to provide comprehensive insights into their respective departments. Expressing dissatisfaction with this lack of clarity, the commissioner urged officials to enhance their performance, particularly emphasizing the issue of tree felling, which has stirred considerable debate within the administration.