Pune: While state government departments and district offices, including the Pune District Collectorate, have witnessed a series of administrative transfers, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) continues to operate with two of its three Additional Commissioner positions vacant. These posts have remained unfilled for over eight months, leaving key administrative responsibilities unaddressed and straining the existing leadership.

The PMC has three sanctioned Additional Commissioner posts, of which two have been vacant since earlier this year. The lone incumbent, Prithviraj B.P., was appointed a few months ago. To manage the workload, Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale and Prithviraj B.P. are sharing additional responsibilities. This has resulted in significant delays in administrative work.

The state government recently carried out transfers across major departments, including the Agriculture Commissioner, Inspector General of Registration, District Collectors of Pune and Satara, Education Commissioner, and several others. New assignments have also been given to these officers. However, the vacant posts in PMC have been overlooked during both rounds of reshuffling.

Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol recently met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and submitted a memorandum highlighting the urgent need for appointments in PMC, including filling the two vacant Additional Commissioner positions. Despite this, the government has yet to issue any orders for these appointments.

The PMC oversees 55 departments and manages public grievances, daily administrative tasks, state and central government schemes, and public program planning. Regular video-conferencing and review meetings further add to the workload. The absence of additional leadership has burdened Commissioner Bhosale and Additional Commissioner Prithviraj, causing delays in several crucial tasks.

Post-election periods offered hope for appointments, but no action was taken even after the state assembly elections concluded, the government was formed, and the Nagpur winter session was held. The prolonged delay has raised questions about the government’s priorities in addressing Pune's administrative needs.