PCMC Issues Guidelines for Utilisation of Corporators’ Discretionary Fund
Civic infrastructure and public utility works to get priority; clear approval procedures prescribed for projects above and below ₹25 lakh
Pimpri-Chinchwad : The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued new guidelines governing the utilisation of corporators’ discretionary funds to expedite local infrastructure development and address urgent civic requirements at the ward level.
A circular issued by the corporation’s Accounts and Finance Department specifies the priorities, approval procedures and restrictions for undertaking development works through this fund. The guidelines direct officials to consider the importance, urgency and public benefit of proposed projects while allocating funds.
Corporators can propose a single major development project, multiple smaller works at different locations within their ward or a larger collective project in multi-member wards. Expenditure must remain within the budgetary allocation approved for each corporator. Funds of multiple corporators can also be pooled for a common project with approval from the competent authority.
Approval Process for Development Works
The guidelines prescribe a clear administrative and financial approval mechanism. Proposals costing up to ₹25 lakh can receive administrative and financial approval from the Additional Commissioner, as per the prescribed rules. Projects exceeding ₹25 lakh will require prior approval from the Standing Committee. Administrative approval must be obtained before incorporating the proposed works into the budget. Concerned departments have been instructed to follow the prescribed procedures.
Civic Amenities to Get Priority
The discretionary fund can be utilised for roads, small bridges, water supply facilities, drainage systems, public sanitation, community halls, public libraries, repairs in municipal primary schools, gardens, pedestrian facilities and other essential civic infrastructure. The permitted works also include public toilets, drinking water facilities, basic amenities at crematoriums, and playground equipment and gym facilities on municipal premises.
Restrictions on Fund Utilisation
The guidelines also specify restrictions on certain categories of expenditure. These include repairs to private buildings, works in unauthorised settlements, certain works undertaken by grant-in-aid institutions, large independent construction projects and activities inconsistent with the purpose of the discretionary fund. Written recommendations from the concerned corporators, along with the required administrative and financial approvals, will be mandatory.
PCMC Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi has directed officials to ensure strict compliance with government resolutions and the prescribed guidelines while implementing development works through the fund.
