PCMC Approves Lease Of 91-Guntha Educational Plot In Punawale To Private Institution Despite Opposition From Local Corporators
PCMC Approves Lease Of 91-Guntha Educational Plot In Punawale To Private Institution Despite Opposition From Local Corporators
Pimpri Chinchwad, June 16, 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved a proposal to lease a 91-guntha educational land parcel in Punawale to a private educational institution, overruling objections raised by local corporators during the General Body meeting held on June 15.
The land, reserved for secondary school purposes under Reservation No. 4/57 in the city’s sanctioned Development Plan, measures 1.80 hectares in total, of which 0.91 hectares (approximately 91 gunthas) is under the possession of the municipal corporation.
PCMC had invited e-tenders to lease the plot for a period of 30 years at a base bid value of ₹5.74 crore, as determined by the Town Planning Department. Three bids were received and all were found eligible during the evaluation process.
Among them, East Oxford International Foundation emerged as the highest bidder with an offer of ₹7 crore and fulfilled all prescribed terms and conditions. The proposal was subsequently forwarded by the Standing Committee for approval by the General Body.
However, the move faced strong opposition from local corporators representing Ward 25 in Punawale. Corporators Rahul Kalate, Kunal Vahwalkar, and Reshma Bhujbal opposed the proposal both before and during the General Body meeting, arguing against handing over the educational plot to a private institution.
Despite their objections, the proposal was approved by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration following a recommendation by ruling party leader Prashant Shitole.
After the resolution was passed, the opposing corporators submitted a supplementary proposal stating that 40 percent of admissions in the proposed school should be reserved for children of municipal employees and residents living within a one-kilometre radius. They also demanded that admissions be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
The supplementary proposal carried the signatures of Kalate, Vahwalkar, and Bhujbal. However, Ward 25 corporator Shruti Wakadkar did not sign the document and reiterated her opposition during the meeting, calling for a reconsideration of the proposal.
The decision is expected to generate further debate over the use of public land for educational infrastructure and the conditions under which such properties are leased to private institutions.
