Maharashtra Government Greenlights Committee for Development in Pune’s Incorporated Villages: 18-Member Panel Takes Charge

Pune, 12th March 2024: On Monday, the government approved the formation of an 18-member committee, chaired by the Divisional Commissioner, to oversee basic amenities in 34 villages incorporated within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. The directive, issued by Priyanka Kulkarni, Deputy Secretary of the Urban Development Department, stipulates that development initiatives in these villages will be coordinated through this committee. The inclusion of a total of 34 villages, 11 in 2017 and 23 in 2021, within the PMC limits was sanctioned by the Government of Maharashtra.

With the municipal members’ term expiring in March 2022, one year after the villages’ incorporation into the PMC, the expectation was for PMC elections to follow. However, delays ensued due to disputes surrounding ward structures and other issues. In response to a letter from Shiv Sena’s Pune city chief Nana Bhangire, who highlighted the challenges arising from the absence of public representatives guiding development works, the Chief Minister acceded to the request. An order was issued to the Divisional Commissioner to establish a committee for basic facilities in these villages.

Initially proposing an 11-member committee, the Divisional Commissioner collaborated with the PMC Commissioner and submitted the proposal to the government on July 4. However, on July 18, Bhangire advocated for the appointment of 12 representatives instead of 11, a request that was accepted by the Chief Minister. Subsequently, the Divisional Commissioner was directed to submit a revised proposal. In August 2023, after consultations with PMC officials, a proposal for an 18-member committee was submitted to the Maharashtra government. Finally, after an eight-month duration, the government has given its approval for the establishment of this committee.