Pune Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Faces Disciplinary Action for Illegal License Distribution

Pune, 20th February 2025: In a significant development, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a deputy commissioner for illegally issuing hawker licenses to 30 traders in the Shivdatta Mini Market at Parihar Chowk, Aundh. Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. has confirmed that a proposal for a departmental inquiry has been sent to the PMC Commissioner Dr Rajendra Bhosale following the confirmation of charges against the accused official.

The controversy stems from the issuance of hawker licenses last year to 30 traders in the Shivdatta Mini Market, an area that has been a point of contention due to traffic congestion. Former PMC Corporater Archana Musale and her husband Adv. Madhukar Musale had been protesting for years to remove the shops near Parihar Chowk to alleviate traffic issues. During their agitation, the Musale couple alleged serious violations of regulations by the then deputy commissioner in issuing these licenses illegally.

The investigation committee, led by Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., was appointed by Municipal Commissioner Dr Rajendra Bhosale to probe the matter. The inquiry revealed several irregularities in the license issuance process. Notably, the same deputy commissioner who had previously denied permissions to these traders later granted them licenses under the hawker policy. This action was taken despite the suspension of biometric license issuance since 2017.

One of the most serious findings was that the deputy commissioner issued permits for an area outside their jurisdiction. Furthermore, five of the 30 traders were granted licenses without providing the mandatory domicile certificate proving 15 years of residence in Maharashtra. These revelations have led to the confirmation of disciplinary charges against the deputy commissioner.

Despite the PMC Commissioner’s orders a month ago to initiate disciplinary action, the appointment of an officer for the departmental inquiry is still pending. Questions have been raised about the lack of action against other officials, including encroachment inspectors, who may have been involved in the irregularities.

When questioned about the delay, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. stated that a proposal for appointing an inquiry officer has been sent to the PMC Commissioner. He added that the charges against the deputy commissioner have not only been confirmed but expanded based on the committee’s findings. Regarding the potential removal of the deputy commissioner’s powers during the investigation, Prithviraj indicated that further actions would be taken as per the Commissioner’s directives.