Pune: Civic Body Makes ‘No Dues Certificate’ Compulsory For Candidates Over Illegal Flex Posters
Pune: Civic Body Makes ‘No Dues Certificate’ Compulsory For Candidates Over Illegal Flex Posters ( Representational Image )
Pune, October 14: Those aspiring to contest the upcoming municipal elections in Pune will now have to pay a price for unauthorised flex banners and posters displayed across the city. The administration has decided that candidates will need to obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) confirming that they have no pending fines for illegal flex displays before filing their nomination papers.
If a candidate fails to present this certificate, their nomination could be rejected. The decision aims to curb the rampant flex poster culture that has contributed to the city’s visual clutter.
Over the past few weeks, the number of unauthorised flexes, banners, and hoardings—featuring political leaders, private coaching classes, construction firms, and other commercial advertisements—has surged ahead of the elections. These flexes are being put up at every corner, spoiling the city’s appearance.
Despite Pune Municipal Commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram’s orders to remove illegal banners and restore the city’s aesthetics, the problem persists. The civic body has already taken down over 3,000 flexes and banners and filed cases against 26 individuals at various police stations.
According to the rules, a fine of ₹1,000 is imposed per illegal flex. However, reports suggest that local ward officers often impose the penalty on only one or two banners while allowing the rest to remain. For example, on Sinhgad Road, a political leader’s birthday banners were displayed across the area without prompt action — the removal happened only after the event concluded.
Deputy Commissioner Madhav Jagtap of the Sky Signs Department confirmed that every candidate contesting the municipal elections will be required to present an NOC verifying that no fine for unauthorised flexes is pending.
This move by the Pune Municipal Corporation aims to discourage visual pollution and ensure accountability among political aspirants and advertising entities.
