Pune: With the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections on the horizon, the standing committee has approved the reallocation of ₹12.60 crores during today’s meeting. The funds, initially earmarked for other projects, were redirected primarily to wards represented by former corporators from the ruling alliance (Mahayuti).

The PMC budget typically allocates funds for various developmental works. As the 2024-25 financial year nears its conclusion, unused funds from ongoing projects are being reallocated to address other requirements. However, in recent months, reallocations appear to be influenced by political priorities.

At today’s meeting at PMC, ₹12.60 crores were approved for projects such as road repairs and the installation of sewage pipelines. The reallocated funds were taken from the budget initially intended for water supply and sewage management in newly merged villages.

Breakdown of Allocations by Ward:

• Ward 3 (Viman Nagar-Somnath Nagar): ₹60 lakh

• Ward 8 (Aundh-Bopodi): ₹1 crore

• Wards 9 to 12 (Baner, Bavdhan, Rambag Colony, Mayur Colony): ₹4.5 crores

• Ward 13 (Erandwane): ₹50 lakh

• Ward 17 (Rasta Peth-Ravivar Peth): ₹1 crore

• Ward 18 (Khadakmaal Ali): ₹1.75 crores

• Ward 19 (Lohiyanagar-Kasewadi): ₹1.25 crores

• Ward 24 (Ramtekdi): ₹50 lakh

• Ward 29 (Navi Peth-Parvati): ₹2 crores

• Ward 31 (Karvenagar): ₹50 lakh

Reallocation Trends Continue

Last month, ₹38 crores were similarly reallocated under political pressure. These funds were diverted from the water and sewage management budgets of newly merged villages and prioritized for the Baner-Balewadi area.

With today’s approval of ₹12.60 crores, a growing trend of politically motivated reallocations is becoming apparent as the municipal elections approach.