PCMC News: Show Cause Notices for Absent Officers During Public Grievance Time
Pimpri, 22nd July 2025: Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh has pulled up senior civic officials for their absence during the scheduled citizens’ meeting hours. In a stern message delivered during Tuesday’s standing committee meeting, Singh warned that officers who remain absent during designated office hours would face disciplinary action, including ‘show cause’ notices.
The civic body has been under administrative rule for the last three and a half years, with no elected representatives currently in place. In this setup, citizens rely heavily on municipal officers to address grievances and civic issues directly. To facilitate public interaction, Commissioner Singh had earmarked Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 3 PM and 6 PM for citizens’ meetings.
However, on Monday, the Commissioner was not present at the headquarters, and several senior officers also remained absent during the scheduled hours. As a result, many citizens who had come seeking redressal of their issues were left disappointed, prompting complaints to be submitted directly to the Commissioner.
Addressing the matter, Singh said, “Why do I have to keep reminding you like children about office timings? Officers coming and going at their own convenience is unacceptable. From now on, those absent during office hours will be issued show cause notices—regardless of their seniority.”
He added that while he ensures to keep the Urban Development Department informed even when stepping out of the city, it is only reasonable to expect the same discipline from other officers.
The Commissioner’s remarks are being seen as an attempt to instill accountability and streamline citizen grievance redressal, especially during a period of administrative governance. He reiterated that presence of all department heads during public meeting hours is mandatory and non-negotiable.
