Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is under fire for failing to utilize ₹70 crore from the ₹250 crore allocated for city development ahead of the G-20 Summit. The state government has issued a notice demanding the return of unspent funds, citing administrative inefficiency as the primary reason for the lapse.

In preparation for the G-20 meetings held in Pune in January and November 2023, the state government allocated ₹250 crore in two phases—₹50 crore initially, followed by ₹200 crore. These funds were intended for beautification, road repairs, and other developmental projects.

Utilization Gaps and Fund Recall

According to government records, PMC spent only ₹37 crore out of the first ₹50 crore, with projects worth ₹13 crore remaining on paper. Similarly, out of the ₹200 crore released later, only ₹143 crore has been utilized. As a result, ₹70 crore of the allocated funds remain unspent.

Amid financial strain caused by pre-election welfare schemes, the state government has recalled the unutilized funds from local bodies, including the G-20 allocations.

PMC’s Efforts to Retain Funds

The PMC administration has scrambled to save the remaining funds by proposing new projects, currently in the final stages of approval. In November, PMC requested an extension until March 31, 2025, to utilize the funds. However, the government has reiterated its demand for the return of the unused ₹70 crore.

The PMC's inability to fully utilize the funds has sparked criticism, with questions raised about poor planning and administrative indifference. The delay in implementing key projects risks losing an opportunity to enhance Pune's infrastructure on a global stage.