The recent inclusion of 34 villages into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was intended to bridge the gap between urban and peri-urban areas, but progress remains stagnant. Despite the estimated need for ₹10,000 crore to address critical infrastructure needs, bureaucratic delays and election codes of conduct have hindered any substantial development.
The bureaucratic stalemate can be traced back to a committee meeting in June 2024, where it was decided to seek funding from the state government. However, no formal funding proposal has been submitted since then, with officials blaming election codes of conduct for the delay. This inaction has left residents in these villages facing deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of basic amenities.
The history of village inclusion in PMC dates back to 2017, when 11 villages were incorporated, followed by an additional 23 in 2021. Despite raising funding requests for development after each expansion, no grants have been provided by the state government to date, leaving critical projects unfunded.
PMC’s budget allocations for these villages have been insufficient, with only ₹3-4 crore per village allocated between 2022-23 and 2024-25. This limited funding often remains unspent, with no progress on proposed projects. Challenges faced by these villages include deteriorating roads, insufficient water supply, poor drainage systems, and limited healthcare facilities.
Key reasons for the lack of progress include the failure to submit a formal funding proposal, restrictions due to election codes of conduct, and PMC’s reliance on external funding for large-scale projects. The impact of inaction is widening socio-economic inequalities and undermining the goals of integration for these villages.
To address these issues, it is essential for the PMC and Divisional Commissioner’s office to expedite the submission of the funding request, ensure transparent allocation of funds, explore public-private partnerships, establish accountability mechanisms, and engage with the community in planning and prioritizing development projects.
Without immediate intervention and a commitment to prioritizing these villages, the vision of a unified and well-developed Pune will remain elusive. It is crucial for the administration to take proactive steps to ensure equitable development and improve the quality of life for residents in these newly included villages.
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