Pune News: Protests Erupt Over PMC’s New Paid Parking Policy; NCP Demands Immediate Reversal
Pune News: Protests Erupt Over PMC's New Paid Parking Policy; NCP Demands Immediate Reversal
Pune, October 5, 2024: A strong protest led by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) erupted today against the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) newly proposed parking policy. The policy, which plans to outsource the management of city road parking to private contractors, would impose parking fees on residents who previously enjoyed free parking.
The protest, spearheaded by NCP city president Prashant Jagtap, took place at the entrance of the PMC office. Jagtap condemned the decision, arguing that the municipal administration, currently under an administrator without elected representatives, lacks the authority to introduce such policies.
“The PMC is being run by administrators in the absence of elected representatives, and this contractor-friendly policy will drain crores of rupees from the citizens of Pune. This policy was devised without due representation, and we demand its immediate cancellation,” Jagtap said during the demonstration.
The NCP has accused the municipal administration of seeking approval from the state government to overturn the previously established parking policy, which was set by elected members. According to the NCP, this move is illegal and aims to benefit contractors at the expense of the public.
A delegation led by Jagtap submitted a formal memorandum to Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, urging a rollback of the proposal. The protest saw participation from several NCP officials and party workers, including notable figures such as Yogesh Sasane, Asha Sane, Rahul Tupe, and Swati Pokale.
The PMC’s new parking policy continues to stir strong reactions from both political leaders and local residents, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.
