PCMC Budget Policy May Tie BJP’s Hands on Development Proposals
Strict financial rules framed during administrator rule restrict new works in 2026–27 budget
Pimpri : A financial policy framed during the administrator’s tenure at the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) may create hurdles for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party while proposing amendments and new development works in the 2026–27 municipal budget.
The policy, introduced in October 2024 due to the civic body’s weak financial position, restricts any increase or reduction in capital and revenue allocations during the first six months of the financial year starting April 1. It also bars approval of such proposals and the inclusion of new projects in the budget during this period.
However, BJP office-bearers, who have returned to power in the civic body for a second term, are keen to bring development works to their wards. While there is pressure to introduce amendments in the 2026–27 budget, the financial restrictions imposed during the administrator rule have created complications. Against this backdrop, the Standing Committee meeting has been postponed until March 11.
Abhishek Barne was elected chairman of the Standing Committee on February 28. Following his election, Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar presented the 2026–27 budget to him.
Officials said the civic body is facing financial strain with outstanding loans of about ₹336 crore and liabilities of nearly ₹3,422 crore. Due to this situation, the commissioner has not included any new projects in the budget.
Authorities also observed that in the past, development works were proposed even without proper budget provisions, which further strained the corporation’s finances. As a result, the then administrator introduced the financial discipline policy.
Under the policy, strict conditions have been imposed, including mandatory financial provisions of at least 25 percent for any new project, restrictions on fund transfers between works, and limits on administrative approvals exceeding 1.25 times the average revised funds of the past three years.
PCMC Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Pravin Jain said that despite repeated instructions, departments often failed to follow financial guidelines, which led to rising expenditure. The new policy, he said, aims to maintain financial discipline and ensure better fiscal planning within the municipal corporation.
