PCMC Commissioner Launches Inquiry into Rs 52 Crore Bill Clearance Allegations
In a significant development, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into serious allegations of procedural violations concerning the clearance of bills worth Rs 52 crore. This decisive action comes in response to a formal complaint lodged by standing committee chairman Abhishek Barne, who raised concerns about irregularities in the transfer of civic funds between bank accounts.
Commissioner's Order and Preliminary Findings
Through an official order issued on Thursday, Commissioner Suryawanshi revealed that a substantial volume of payments for various development works was processed between March 24 and March 31, 2026. The commissioner stated, "As per preliminary information, the matter appears to involve potential violations regarding budgetary control, financial discipline, and authorised approvals under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949. A detailed and impartial inquiry is necessary."
The municipal chief emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the alleged violations could undermine the financial integrity of the municipal corporation and erode public trust in civic administration.
Composition of Inquiry Committee and Timeline
The probe will be headed by additional municipal commissioner Vijay Khorate, who will lead a committee comprising several senior officials:
- Additional Municipal Commissioner Trupti Sandbhor
- Chief Auditor of PCMC
- Chief Engineer of PCMC
- Deputy Commissioner (Vigilance) serving as Member Secretary
The panel has received strict instructions to complete its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within seven days, indicating the urgency with which municipal authorities are treating these allegations.
Specific Allegations Raised by Standing Committee Chairman
In his detailed letter to the commissioner, Abhishek Barne made several serious claims regarding the bill clearance process:
- Payments for over 70 projects were "processed in haste" without adhering to standard operating procedures
- The accounts department cleared these bills using signatures from unauthorised individuals
- There are indications that some signatures may have been forged to expedite the clearance process
According to sources familiar with the matter, the development works in question primarily involve three key departments:
- Water Supply Department
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Department
- General Civic Works Department
Barne further informed media outlets that senior officials in these departments were reportedly unaware of the clearances, suggesting a breakdown in communication and oversight mechanisms. He emphasized that such proposals typically require approval from either the standing committee or the municipal commissioner—procedures he claims were systematically bypassed.
Expanded Scope of Investigation
A senior PCMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the inquiry committee will extend its investigation beyond the immediate allegations. The panel will examine whether similar practices were followed over the last three financial years, potentially uncovering a pattern of procedural violations.
Furthermore, the committee will investigate whether the civic body suffered financial losses when shifting savings between banks by verifying if competitive interest rates were sought from all nationalised banks during fund transfers.
Official Response and Defense
Chief Accounts Officer Pravin Jain has categorically denied all allegations, maintaining that due process was strictly followed throughout the bill clearance procedure. Jain explained that the funds in question had been properly sanctioned in the 2025–26 budget and that end-of-year bill clearing represents standard municipal practice.
"This ensures that allocated funds do not lapse and does not burden the subsequent year's budget," Jain stated in his defense.
In an official statement, Jain provided additional context, clarifying that the payments were processed on March 30 following suggestions from corporators after a March 24 general body meeting. He noted that public holidays had compressed the working timeline, potentially creating the appearance of haste.
Regarding bank transfers, Jain offered a detailed explanation: PCMC's long-standing agreement with Bank of Baroda had expired in July 2024. Following an expression of interest process where five nationalised banks applied, Bank of Maharashtra was selected for a three-year term in August 2024. He emphasized that this transition was approved by both the standing committee and the general body while the commissioner was acting as administrator.
Civic Activist Expresses Skepticism
Prominent civic activist Vijay Kumbhar expressed significant doubt regarding the effectiveness of the internal probe, characterizing such inquiries as "delay tactics" that rarely lead to meaningful accountability.
"Similar irregularities exist across various PCMC departments. Corruption is an ongoing issue, and the newly appointed commissioner should conduct a comprehensive, independent probe into all such matters rather than isolated incidents," Kumbhar asserted.
The activist called for a more thorough investigation that would examine systemic issues within the municipal corporation rather than focusing on individual cases, suggesting that only such comprehensive scrutiny could address the root causes of financial irregularities in civic administration.
The inquiry comes at a critical juncture for Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, with citizens and stakeholders closely watching how municipal authorities handle allegations of financial impropriety. The seven-day deadline for the committee's report adds pressure for swift resolution, while the expanded scope of investigation suggests municipal authorities recognize the potential for broader systemic issues requiring attention.
