Pune: In response to allegations of corruption in asphalt procurement, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to resume purchasing asphalt directly from manufacturing companies, eliminating contractors from the process. This directive was issued by Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale to the road department, signaling a move towards greater transparency and accountability.
The controversy erupted after former standing committee chairman Nilesh Nikam raised concerns over the current procurement method. According to Nikam, the civic body, which requires around 3,000 tonnes of asphalt annually, had previously sourced it directly from producers. However, under former commissioner Vikram Kumar, the process was altered to route procurement through a contractor—an arrangement Nikam criticized as unnecessary and prone to abuse.
In light of these allegations, Commissioner Bhosale has set up an internal inquiry led by Road Department Head Aniruddha Pawaskar. “We’ve formed a committee to thoroughly examine the procurement practices. Meanwhile, we’ve already reverted to direct sourcing from asphalt manufacturers to maintain transparency and avoid any irregularities,” Bhosale stated.
This move is being viewed as a step in the right direction by civic activists and citizens, especially given PMC’s significant annual spending on road maintenance. The shift is expected to enhance oversight and improve the quality of civic works.
The committee’s report is awaited, but for now, PMC’s decision reflects an intent to reform and reinforce clean governance in public procurement.
