Pune: PCMC Inquiry Reveals Irregularities in Contractor Bill Payments, Raises Serious Questions

Pimpri-Chinchwad, 23rd April 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has conducted an internal inquiry into the controversial payment of contractor bills, and the findings are alarming. The inquiry has revealed that 14 supplementary budget notes, used to clear dues worth 60 crore rupees, were approved in violation of the prescribed norms, raising serious questions about the process followed by civic officials.

According to the preliminary report submitted to Municipal Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi on Tuesday, the notes relied upon for releasing payments had neither been approved by the General Body nor by the Standing Committee, as required under municipal rules. This oversight has led to a significant breach of protocol and has sparked a debate about the transparency and accountability of the PCMC's financial operations.

The controversy centers around alleged revisions made in the 2025-26 revised budget and the 2026-27 original budget through supplementary notes bearing signatures of BJP and NCP corporators. Based on these changes, contractor bills were reportedly cleared by the accounts department. Under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, any transfer, reduction, or alteration of budgetary allocations requires formal approval of the Standing Committee or the General Body. However, the inquiry found that the 14 supplementary notes used in this case did not receive such mandatory approvals.

The issue was first raised by Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne, who publicly questioned the payments. Political circles expressed surprise after the Commissioner reportedly shared only a brief five-line summary of the inquiry findings with him. Barne emphasized that the powers to take direct action against the Chief Accounts and Finance Officer do not rest with the Municipal Commissioner and that only the state government can act against him.

Barne added that a final report is expected within 10 days and would be forwarded to the state government with recommendations for action. NCP Corporator Sandeep Waghere demanded criminal cases against contractors, corporators who signed the notes, and officials from the accounts department allegedly involved in clearing the payments.

The findings of the inquiry have not only raised concerns about financial mismanagement but have also highlighted the need for stricter oversight and adherence to municipal regulations. The PCMC has a crucial role in the development and governance of Pimpri-Chinchwad, and such irregularities can significantly undermine public trust in the municipal body.

As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for the PCMC to address these issues transparently and take the necessary corrective actions to restore public confidence. The state government's response to the final report will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for the handling of similar financial irregularities in other municipal corporations across Maharashtra.

In the meantime, residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad are calling for a thorough and independent investigation to ensure that justice is served and that the municipal corporation operates with the highest standards of integrity and accountability.