Pune, 26 February 2026: The Standing Committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation has cancelled a ₹4.5 crore proposal that sought to assign women empowerment training programs to two construction companies.
The decision came after strong objections from corporators across party lines, who questioned the logic of awarding such work to infrastructure firms.
The proposal was linked to the revival of the Rani Laxmibai Women Empowerment Scheme, which had remained inactive for nearly three years during the administrator’s tenure. The Social Development Department had planned to implement the scheme across 15 regional offices, with tenders of ₹30 lakh each floated for the program.
Three contractors had participated in the bidding process. While one was declared ineligible, the remaining two, Shinde Construction and S.P. Construction, were shortlisted for approval.
However, during the Standing Committee meeting, members raised concerns about how construction companies could effectively conduct women empowerment and skill development programs, and whether they had the necessary expertise and institutional framework.
Corporators also questioned why the proposal was brought for approval months after the tender process had been completed. Following the discussion, the committee decided to cancel the tender and instead allocate the funds directly to the regional ward offices. Each office will now receive ₹30 lakh to organize programs at the local level.
The Rani Laxmibai Women Empowerment Scheme will now be implemented from March 8 to March 14 to mark International Women’s Day week, with activities conducted under the supervision of local administrative officials.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said, “As discussed in the Standing Committee, women empowerment initiatives will not be implemented through contractors. The funds will be transferred to the regional offices, and officials will organize the programs directly.”
Another member added, “There were serious concerns about whether contractors were meant to conduct empowerment programs or create confusion. Therefore, the funds have been redirected to ward offices so that meaningful activities can be organized during Women’s Day.”
