Pune: Funds for Newly Incorporated Villages Face Fresh Hurdles; PMC Proposes Reclassifying Rs 24 Crore

Pune, 13th November 2025: Development in newly incorporated villages under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has once again hit a roadblock, as the administration has proposed reclassifying Rs 24 crore allocated for water supply schemes and water meter installation in these areas. The proposal has been tabled before the Standing Committee, triggering fresh concerns among residents who say the civic body has failed to carry out even basic works since their merger.

Residents of these villages have repeatedly protested against PMC’s inaction, with many refusing to pay municipal taxes until development begins. Despite the demand for urgent works related to water supply, roads, street lights and drainage, the municipal administration has proposed moving the Rs 24 crore allocation to water supply works within the city, citing financial shortages in the Water Supply Department and other divisions.

In total, PMC plans to reclassify Rs 52 crore for various city-level projects, including the Rs 24 crore originally earmarked for incorporated villages.

Long-pending Issues and Growing Discontent
No substantial development has taken place in the 34 villages merged into PMC in phases between 2017 and 2021. Frustration in Uruli Devachi and Fursungi had escalated to the point where both villages sought exclusion from PMC. The state government eventually carved out separate municipal councils for them.

However, residents of the remaining villages continue to report poor infrastructure and lack of essential amenities. Despite provisions made in the budget for major projects, many of these works are long-term and expected to take two to three years to begin. Meanwhile, urgent issues remain unresolved.

Locals allege that the PMC showcases inflated budget allocations for villages by including funds for long-term projects. These funds are subsequently diverted under the pretext that the proposed works “cannot be carried out immediately,” leaving residents with no visible progress on the ground.

Repeat of Last Year’s Controversy
Last year, villagers had expressed strong opposition to the reclassification of allocated funds. During review meetings, they reiterated their complaints, forcing PMC to assure them that money earmarked for villages would not be diverted.

Despite that assurance, the administration has once again proposed reclassifying the funds — a move that has revived distrust among citizens demanding accountability and timely development.