The standing committee of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Wednesday referred a contentious proposal to the general body, which seeks to lease out a plot reserved for an educational institute in Punawale to a private organisation. The decision came after strong opposition from local residents, who have demanded that the civic body establish its own school on the land instead.
Proposal Details
The proposal involves allotting 0.91 hectares of land to a private educational institution on a 30-year lease for setting up a school. According to sources, the lease amount is fixed at Rs 7 crore for the entire period. The municipal corporation had already initiated the tendering process, with three firms expressing interest, and one was finalised.
Residents' Concerns
Residents of Punawale have vehemently objected to the move, arguing that the area is rapidly growing and requires affordable, quality secondary education for common citizens. Sachin Londhe, a member of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, wrote to the municipal commissioner and the chief minister seeking intervention. In his letter, Londhe stated that if the school is built by a private developer, the fees would be exorbitant and beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. He urged the civic body to organise a public hearing and hear residents' views before making any decision. Londhe also highlighted that the PCMC already operates a state-of-the-art CBSE school in Wakad and should consider developing a similar institution in Punawale to set an example of a good education system.
Committee's Action
Standing committee chairman Abhishek Barne confirmed that due to residents' opposition, the proposal has been sent to the general body for a final decision. The general body will now deliberate on the matter and take an appropriate call.
