Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is under scrutiny for failing to utilize ₹7.5 crore collected under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds, donated by various companies to improve healthcare facilities in civic hospitals, remain unused and are still lying in the PMC’s bank account. The inaction has raised concerns about the administration’s efficiency in handling such resources.
In March 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, PMC had appealed to citizens and corporations to contribute towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
This appeal resulted in donations of ₹4.89 crore in 2020-21 and ₹3.10 crore in 2021-22. However, not a single rupee from the 2020-21 fund was spent, while only ₹1.30 crore from the 2021-22 contributions was utilized for purchasing hospital beds and oxygen supplies. The remaining funds earned ₹70 lakh in interest, and ₹7.43 crore now remains unused in the COVID-19 CSR account.
Vivek Velankar, President of Sajag Nagrik Manch, expressed disappointment, stating, "Citizens and companies donated generously during the pandemic to alleviate the suffering of Pune residents, but PMC failed to utilize these funds effectively. This raises doubts about whether citizens will come forward to help in future emergencies."
In July 2023, the issue was brought to the attention of the administration, urging them to use the funds for public health improvements. However, even after 18 months, no significant action has been taken. When questioned, PMC Health Chief, Dr. Neena Borade, acknowledged the situation and assured that the matter would be reviewed.
