Pune, 3rd December 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has come under scrutiny after failing to address significant financial discrepancies uncovered during an Asset Management Audit conducted by the Central Government's Audit Department in January 2024.
The audit highlighted irregularities totaling approximately ₹400 crore. Despite receiving a formal notice to provide explanations within four weeks, the PMC has not responded.
The audit, focused on PMC's properties and assets, revealed major irregularities. The findings were submitted to the municipal commissioner, along with instructions to resolve the objections. However, PMC reportedly disregarded the notice.
The Audit Department issued multiple reminders to the civic body, culminating in a direct complaint to the municipal commissioner on November 13.
In response, PMC circulated letters to the implicated departments, but no concrete action or clarification has been provided.
The Property and Asset Management Department escalated the issue by issuing memos to 36 departments, but the lack of responses has forced PMC to schedule a meeting with the Additional Commissioner on December 3.
The Sajag Nagrik Manch, a citizens' advocacy group, has criticized PMC's inaction.
Vivek Velankar, the group’s president, expressed frustration, stating, "If the administration cannot address ₹400 crore worth of irregularities pointed out by government auditors, one can only imagine how it deals with the grievances and suggestions of ordinary citizens."
The irregularities and delayed response have raised questions about PMC's accountability and efficiency, especially in light of repeated reminders and warnings from the central government.
