Pune: PMC Puts Civic Workforce Under Watch as Election Season Begins
Pune, 18th December 2025: With the Pune Municipal Corporation elections drawing closer, the civic administration has moved to tighten oversight of its own workforce, announcing strict monitoring of municipal employees to prevent any political involvement that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the decision follows past instances where civic staff were found participating in election-related activities. “Municipal employees are bound by service rules that strictly prohibit political engagement. Any staff member found assisting political parties or candidates will face legal and departmental action,” he warned.
Under existing regulations, PMC employees are barred from canvassing, voter outreach, or any form of assistance linked to political campaigns. The administration has reiterated that violations during the election period will be treated as serious misconduct.
RTI Footage Triggers Scrutiny-
The issue resurfaced last week after Congress leader Sanjay Balgude released CCTV footage obtained through the Right to Information Act. The video allegedly shows civic employees preparing voter lists for a particular ward inside a locked room, reportedly with the help of political workers.
Confirming that the matter is under examination, Ram said, “A detailed report has been sought, and action will be taken against the concerned employee if the allegations are substantiated.”
Following the announcement of the election schedule by the Maharashtra State Election Commission, the PMC has stepped up preparations. A returning officer has been appointed, and around 23,500 personnel from government departments and government-aided schools will be deployed for polling and counting duties.
To streamline candidate formalities, the civic body has launched a single-window online system for obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs). Candidates must secure clearances from 22 PMC departments, including property tax and health, to confirm the absence of pending dues.
Applicants can complete the process online and download certificates directly, while helpdesks will operate at all 15 ward offices and the PMC headquarters for those requiring assistance.
Although the model code of conduct came into effect with the poll announcement, its enforcement on the ground appears uneven. Political banners and flex boards continue to dot public spaces, and mandated steps to cover party symbols and leaders’ names are yet to be fully implemented.
Polling for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections is scheduled for January 15, with vote counting set for January 16.
