Pune Municipal Budget Preparation Accelerates Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections Code of Conduct
Pune, 17th January 2024: Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar has initiated the review process for the municipal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, aiming to complete it before the imposition of the code of conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The strategic review is focused on expediting essential works within the current budget, with Commissioner Kumar instructing officials to conclude the tender process and issue work orders by February 25.
With Lok Sabha elections’ code of conduct expected in March, the Commissioner’s directive aims to ensure the timely commencement of critical projects by wrapping up the approval and tendering procedures outlined in the 2023-24 budget. The impending code of conduct typically brings a halt to new initiatives within the municipal corporation, making it imperative to issue work orders before the stipulated timeframe.
Commissioner Kumar emphasized the importance of completing the tender process swiftly, targeting February 25 as the deadline for issuing work orders. The move is particularly crucial for projects related to the maintenance and repair works allocated in the current budget.
Addressing the historical delay in the tendering process for pre-monsoon initiatives, such as cleaning drains, Commissioner Kumar urged an early start to prevent a repetition of past setbacks. Typically conducted in April and May, these vital works often face delays, pushing them into June.
With the Lok Sabha elections’ code of conduct looming, the Commissioner aims to mitigate potential hindrances by initiating the tender process for drain cleaning as early as possible. Furthermore, he confirmed that the work orders for these initiatives would be issued post-approval of the next year’s budget, well before the implementation of the code of conduct.
