Pune PMC News | Lack of Transparency in Pune Municipal Corporation’s E-Charging Station Project Raises Concerns
Pune : Pune PMC News | The functioning of the Electricity Department in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has come under scrutiny due to a lack of transparency in its recent initiative to set up E-charging stations. Shockingly, departments whose lands are being allocated for the charging stations are unaware of the developments.
The PMC had invited tenders for the installation of charging stations for private vehicles earlier this year. Marine Electricals Company was awarded the tender, and work orders have been issued to them. As part of the agreement, the company will receive 82 free seats across the city for a period of 8 years. In return, 50 percent of the company’s profits from the charging stations will be given to the municipal corporation.
However, it has raised concerns that while the company benefits from free municipal space, citizens of Pune have to pay the market rate of Rs. 22 per unit for the charging services.
What is particularly alarming is that the departments whose lands are being utilized for the charging stations, including the Transport Planning Department, Parks Department, Cultural Department, and Hospitals, are unaware of their spaces being rented out. The Electricity Department has proceeded with the tender without seeking permission from these departments.
Moreover, questions have been raised about the financial arrangement. It is suggested that instead of providing the spaces for free and taking 50 percent of the profit, the municipal corporation should charge a monthly rent. This would ensure a steady income for the corporation and avoid potential losses if the company fails to generate profits.
The lack of transparency and consultation in this project has also raised concerns about the decision-making process within the PMC. With no corporators and standing committees, decisions are made solely by the administrator, bypassing necessary discussions and public knowledge.
Srinivas Kandul, Chief Engineer of the Electrical Department, stated that citizens would be provided with charging facilities at a lower rate than the market price. However, it remains unclear why the municipal corporation should bear the losses if the company does not make a profit. Vijay Kumbhar, Vice President of the Aam Aadmi Party, highlighted the need for proper allocation of the spaces as per the 2008 Space Allotment Rules and emphasized the importance of obtaining approval from the main body.
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