Pune’s Development Projects In Jeopardy Due To Insufficient Funds
Pune's Development Projects In Jeopardy Due To Insufficient Funds
The impending code of conduct has accelerated activities in Pune’s Public Works Department, with a rush to approve proposals, draw tenders, and issue work orders. However, a severe funding shortage threatens to derail development projects in the district.
Despite sanctioning of works worth ₹2,000-2,500 crores for road and building development, only 15% of the funds have been allocated. The road department has approved 167 road works worth ₹1,252 crores, but only 119 works worth ₹497 crores have been greenlit.
For building projects, 59 works have been approved with a total expenditure of ₹961.49 crores. However, only 19 projects have received work directions worth ₹317.9 crores, leaving 40 projects worth ₹644 crores without work orders.
While talking to media person Ravindra Bhosle, President of the Contractors Association, questioned how educated unemployed engineers can execute projects with inadequate funds. “How can we do the work with less provision of funds?” he asked.
The state government’s priorities have been questioned, with thousands of crores being allocated to schemes like ‘Ladki Majhi Baheen’ and ‘Youth Training Yojana’. Meanwhile, critical development projects in Pune district remain underfunded.
As the assembly elections approach, the code of conduct is expected to come into effect soon. The rush to approve projects and allocate funds may not be enough to salvage the development works in Pune district. The funding crisis casts a shadow over Pune’s infrastructure development, leaving citizens wondering about the future of these critical projects.
