Merger of Pune Cantonment Board with PMC Nears Decision After November 27 MoD Meeting
Merger of Pune Cantonment Board with PMC Nears Decision After November 27 MoD Meeting
The long-awaited merger of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is expected to gain momentum following a key meeting on November 27 with the Joint Secretary (Land and Works) of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This merger has been in progress for over three years and is part of a broader initiative to streamline governance and improve infrastructure in cantonment areas.
In a letter dated November 14, the Director-General of Defence Estates (DGDE) asked the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to appoint a senior officer to participate in the upcoming video conference. The meeting will address the integration of cantonments, including Pune, Dehu Road, Deolali, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Kamptee, and Khadki, into their respective municipal jurisdictions.
Key Guidelines for the Merger
In a communication from Arvind Kumar Dwivedi, Deputy Director-General (Cantonments), detailed modalities for the merger were outlined:
- Transfer of Assets: All assets meant for civic and municipal services will be handed over to the state government and PMC at no cost.
- Municipal Authority Expansion: Leased and old grant properties in the cantonment areas will come under the jurisdiction of PMC.
- Retention of Military Land: Areas under the MoD’s jurisdiction will remain under central authority, excluding them from municipal governance.
- Integration into State Governance: Cantonment areas will adhere to municipal and state laws post-merger, with the state empowered to levy local taxes in these regions.
These changes aim to improve access to municipal services and enhance infrastructure in the merged areas.
Anticipated Benefits
The citizens of Pune Cantonment have been suffering due to poor infrastructure and limited civic services. This merger will pave the way for long-overdue development and address infrastructural deficiencies.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the merger promises significant benefits, its implementation involves resolving legal, administrative, and logistical complexities, particularly regarding the transfer of assets and liabilities. Nevertheless, local authorities and residents remain optimistic about a favorable decision post-meeting.
The outcome of the November 27 discussions will likely set the stage for a transformative chapter in urban governance for Pune and other cantonment areas.
