Rs.7.43 Crore COVID Relief Funds Remain Unutilized by Pune Municipal Corporation, Reveals RTI Activist
Rs.7.43 Crore COVID Relief Funds Remain Unutilized by Pune Municipal Corporation, Reveals RTI Activist
Pune, January 6, 2025 — In a glaring revelation, ₹7.43 crore in donations received by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat the crisis remains unused. This includes ₹70 lakh earned as interest on the unspent amount. Civic activist Vivek Velankar, president of the Sajag Nagrik Manch, has called out PMC’s negligence in utilizing these funds effectively for public welfare.
Donations Gathered, But Not Utilised:
During the pandemic’s peak, PMC had appealed to citizens and companies to contribute financially to the city’s fight against COVID-19. Responding to this call, donations amounting to ₹4.89 crore were received in 2020-21, and an additional ₹3.10 crore in 2021-22.
However, according to information obtained through the Right to Information Act (RTI), PMC failed to spend a single rupee from the fund in 2020-21. In 2021-22, a mere ₹1.30 crore was utilized for COVID beds and oxygen supply. The remaining funds, along with accrued interest, currently total ₹7.43 crore, lying idle in the PMC’s COVID CSR account.
Criticism of PMC’s Inaction:
Velankar expressed strong dissatisfaction with PMC’s inability to deploy the funds effectively during the pandemic, despite the dire need for resources like medical equipment and infrastructure. “Citizens suffered immensely during the pandemic. The failure to utilize crores of rupees donated for relief efforts is a disgrace and speaks volumes about the inefficiency of the PMC administration,” he said.
He also questioned whether citizens would trust the municipal body enough to contribute in future crises, given this precedent. Velankar had first brought this issue to light in July 2023 via an RTI query but noted that no corrective action has been taken in the past 18 months.
Call for Immediate Action:
Velankar urged the PMC to utilize the ₹7.43 crore to improve facilities in municipal hospitals and clinics, which could significantly benefit underprivileged patients in Pune. He emphasized that as the head of the administration, the municipal commissioner bears responsibility for ensuring these funds are used meaningfully.
Public Outcry:
As this issue resurfaces on National Right to Information Day, activists and citizens alike are raising concerns over PMC’s failure to act in a timely manner. The PMC’s inaction during a crisis that saw widespread suffering has drawn widespread criticism, and there is growing demand for accountability and swift action to utilize the funds effectively for the public good.
