Pune: PMC Garbage Collection Affected as Sanitation Staff Allegedly Working at Politicians’ Homes
Pune, 27th May 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) solid waste management system is reportedly facing a severe manpower shortage, with nearly 4,500 sanitation workers allegedly deployed in other departments and at the residences of political leaders instead of performing garbage collection and city cleanliness duties.
According to internal civic records, PMC has a total of 10,069 employees assigned to sanitation and solid waste management work, including permanent and contractual staff. However, only around 40 per cent of them are currently working in the department, while the remaining employees have reportedly been assigned elsewhere, affecting daily waste collection and sanitation operations across Pune.
The issue has triggered concern within the civic administration amid allegations that around 450 to 500 sanitation workers are currently posted at the residences and personal establishments of MLAs, corporators, former civic office-bearers and other political leaders.
Sources alleged that many of these employees are being used for personal duties such as driving, housekeeping and other support work while continuing to draw salaries from PMC.
Officials said the solid waste management department had prepared a detailed report on the issue last year and submitted it to the then Additional Municipal Commissioner as well as the current civic administration. The report reportedly found that several employees had remained away from their original sanitation postings for periods ranging from five to ten years despite continuing on the department’s payroll.
Despite the findings, no concrete action has reportedly been taken to bring these employees back to the sanitation department. Civic officials claimed that political pressure and frequent transfers of senior officers in the solid waste management department over the past six months have delayed action.
PMC currently employs 5,251 permanent sanitation workers and 4,818 contractual workers appointed through contractors. Officials said these workers are primarily meant for garbage collection and waste management duties, but many have been diverted to other departments citing manpower shortages or following recommendations from political leaders.
Officials admitted that the alleged diversion of sanitation staff has weakened the functioning of the solid waste management department and contributed to difficulties in maintaining cleanliness and regular garbage collection services across the city.
PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the administration has initiated verification of the matter and is reviewing previous reports submitted by the department.
“If there is an old report, it will also be reviewed. Necessary action will be taken after verification. No one will be spared,” Ram said.
