A mere 75 suggestions for public participatory budget by citizens have laid bare the lackadaisical approach of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) towards the twin town’s development. In contrast, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) received around 6,000 suggestions, including 1,139 filed online, for the civic body’s worthy initiative.
PCMC which had sent over 14 lakh SMSes to citizens over the past one and a half years regarding unauthorised constructions and purchasing properties in the twin town cuts a sorry figure when it comes to generating public awareness on development issues and public participation.
The civic administration could only receive 75 suggestions for PCMC participatory budget that will be included in its 2014-15 budget. PCMC had asked citizens to file suggestions before October 31about the civic work required in respective localities. Citizens were asked to suggest projects costing up to Rs10 lakh.
Despite having resources to create awareness about the participatory budget, the civic body failed to penetrate through the communities which has resulted in poor public response.
PCMC’s SMS initiative regarding purchasing properties in the twin town and creating awareness about unauthorised properties had received overwhelming response from citizens. The civic administration had also used the SMS facility for spreading awareness about water dues and proper tax.
Poor response
Of the 75 suggestions received by PCMC, 37 are from ward B, 32 from ward A and three suggestions each from ward C and ward D.
PCMC had received only 18 suggestions in 2007-08, 34 in 2008-09, 66 in 2009-10, 64 in 2010-11, and 52 in 2011-12.
Worthy initiative
Under the participatory budget plan, suggestions were asked regarding tree plantation, drainage, street lights, water supply, road condition, health, garbage, public toilets, gardens, jogging tracks, swimming pools, health clubs and senior citizens’ daycare centre
Citizens were asked to send their suggestions to respective
ward offices. The zonal officer/ward officer and the executive engineer will verify the suggestions and the projects to assess their feasibility. The suggestions will then be included in the municipal budget.
