Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has dissolved its existing consultant and architect panel assigned for urban development projects following complaints regarding their performance. The municipal corporation has now initiated a fresh selection process, inviting applications for a new panel of consultants and architects.
Despite having well-paid officials, the PCMC has spent crores of rupees on external consultants for projects related to housing, roads, footpaths, flyovers, gardens, and auditoriums. However, allegations have surfaced that some development projects failed due to incorrect guidance from consultants. Former corporators and activists have repeatedly raised concerns over the role and effectiveness of these consultants, yet the corporation has continued to engage external experts for infrastructure projects.
New Appointment Structure and Budget Classification
Under the new selection process, consultants and architects will be appointed based on project cost and specialization. The PCMC’s City Engineer, Makarand Nikam, has officially invited applications.
Consultants will be appointed for projects worth ₹5 crore and above.
Architects will be selected for projects starting from ₹2 crore.
The municipal corporation has categorized consultants into three groups for different project types, including:
₹5 crore – ₹20 crore projects
₹20 crore – ₹50 crore projects
₹50 crore and above projects
Similarly, architects will be classified into four categories, covering areas like buildings, landscaping, and urban road design, with budget brackets of:
₹2 crore – ₹5 crore
₹5 crore – ₹20 crore
₹20 crore – ₹50 crore
₹50 crore and above
Eligibility Criteria and Documentation
Interested candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
Eligibility to apply for any category of projects.
Consultants must hold government or semi-government-approved certifications.
Architects must be registered with the Council of Architecture.
Five years of work experience in the respective field.
Completion certificates for projects executed in the last five years.
Experience certificates must be issued by government or semi-government officials.
Submission of salary slips, educational certificates, Aadhaar, PAN, GST registration, and shop act certification.
The firm’s director must hold a university degree, and the lead engineer must have a postgraduate degree.
Makarand Nikam, City Engineer at PCMC, confirmed the decision, stating: "The consultant and architect panel consisted of over 100 members, but complaints were raised against only a few. Additionally, the three-year term of the panel has ended, and a new panel is being formed with certain modifications. Applications have been invited accordingly."
