Pune: The merger of Pune and Khadki Cantonment Boards into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is progressing steadily, with a high-level meeting recently conducted to address key issues.
The meeting, involving officers from the Southern Command, PMC, and both cantonment boards, focused on seven critical points that will shape the merger process.
The central government has initiated a nationwide effort to integrate cantonment boards into local self-governance systems. As part of this directive, the Southern Command, PMC, and the cantonment boards held a detailed discussion to streamline the merger.
The meeting saw participation from:
Southern Command: Deputy Director Rajendra Jagtap.
PMC: Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale and Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P.
Pune Cantonment Board: CEO Subroto Paul.
Khadki Cantonment Board: Minakshi Lohia.
Senior officers from the armed forces.
Key Issues Discussed
The seven primary topics of discussion included:
Land Transfer: Identifying and transferring lands under the cantonment boards to the PMC.
Employee Allocation: Allowing employees to choose between continuing with the cantonment boards or transitioning to the PMC.
Infrastructure: Managing roads and transportation facilities post-merger.
Civic Amenities: Ensuring seamless integration of civic services.
Property Management: Transferring properties and maintaining accounts.
Documentation: Handing over relevant records and legal documents.
Public Areas: Transitioning civilian-accessible areas to the PMC.
Southern Command officials expressed their willingness to transfer public-access areas to the PMC. Initial discussions also explored options for employees regarding their employment preferences after the merger.
The meeting further addressed how essential services and facilities will be provided to the cantonment areas once integrated into the municipal corporation.
A detailed report encapsulating the discussions and decisions will be sent to the state government for approval and guidance on the next steps.
