Pune: ₹400 Crore Dues From Hoardings Unaccounted; Audit Flags Serious Irregularities In Sky Sign Department
Pune: ₹400 Crore Dues From Hoardings Unaccounted; Audit Flags Serious Irregularities In Sky Sign Department
Pune, April 17, 2026: A major financial discrepancy has come to light in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), where outstanding dues of over ₹404 crore from hoardings remain unaccounted for, even as action against illegal structures continues to lag.
The issue surfaced following an audit report by the Chief Auditor, who has raised serious concerns over the functioning of the Sky Sign Department. In a direct communication to the Standing Committee, the auditor criticised the department for lack of transparency and poor record-keeping. Despite the gravity of the findings, no firm action has yet been taken by the committee.
The report indicates that although a significant amount is recoverable from hoarding operators, the department has failed to provide clear data on how much has actually been collected and how much remains pending. Even after being directed to submit a recovery report up to February 2026 within seven days, officials reportedly delayed sharing the information.
The audit has also highlighted long-standing concerns over irregular practices within the department and at the regional office level. Instead of contributing expected revenue to the civic body, the system is allegedly benefiting select hoarding contractors along with certain officials, raising questions about accountability.
In a parallel move, the administration has initiated the process to appoint an external agency to identify illegal hoardings across the city. The proposal was approved in a recent Standing Committee meeting, but the decision has sparked debate, as questions are being raised over the need for consultants despite existing data.
Adding to the controversy, officials revealed during the meeting that Pune may have between 1,000 to 1,500 illegal hoardings—far higher than earlier estimates of fewer than 100 structures reported by ward offices. The sharp discrepancy has further intensified scrutiny over the department’s functioning and data accuracy.
