PMC Fails to Use Rs.70 Crore from G-20 Development Funds
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The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing a significant embarrassment as it has failed to utilize ₹70 crore out of the ₹250 crore received from the state government for city development during the G-20 summit. As a result, the corporation will have to return ₹70 crore to the government.
The PMC received ₹250 crore for preparations related to the G-20 summit, which was held in Pune in January and November 2023. However, due to poor planning, neglect of development, and mismanagement by officials, the corporation failed to use the funds effectively.
According to a senior official from the PMC accounts department, “Of the ₹50 crore initially given to PMC for G-20 preparations, only ₹37 crore was used, while works worth ₹13 crore remained on paper. Similarly, from the ₹200 crore provided later, we spent ₹143 crore for ongoing projects, and ₹57 crore was unspent.”
The government has asked for the return of unused funds due to financial pressure caused by welfare schemes launched before the assembly elections. The PMC is now hurrying to avoid returning the unspent funds and has proposed new projects from the remaining funds. The approval process is in its final stages.
In November, the corporation requested an extension of the spending deadline until March 31, 2025. However, the administration is under pressure as the government has once again demanded the return of the unspent money.
The PMC is now gathering details about fund allocation from various departments to avoid any further issues. The corporation’s failure to utilize the funds effectively has raised questions about the accountability of officials responsible for managing the funds.
