Pune: To foster greater citizen involvement in the budget process, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is introducing an online platform for residents to submit feedback and suggestions.

Citizens can now propose development projects related to roads, sewage, health, parks, and sports facilities through the Smart Sarathi app and a QR code available on the PCMC website.

The initiative, which started in the financial year 2007-08, aims to ensure better implementation of development projects, enhance public participation in municipal planning, and monitor ongoing works more effectively.

Previously, residents had to submit their suggestions offline, which often led to inconvenience. The new online method is designed to streamline this process and make it more accessible.

Residents can submit their suggestions for improving or requesting new public facilities such as roads, sewage systems, health services, parks, and sports grounds. These suggestions will be reviewed by ward officers, and the verified projects will be included in the municipal budget.

A special committee, chaired by the commissioner, will oversee the suggestion process. Suggestions collected during the current financial year will be considered for the next financial year’s budget.

For example, feedback for the financial year 2025-26 will be gathered in 2024-25. Additionally, ten percent of the property tax collected in the previous financial year will be allocated for the selected suggestions under the citizen participation initiative.

The budget committee will have the final say on citizen suggestions, project implementation, and budget allocations.

How to Submit Suggestions:

• Residents can provide their suggestions through the PCMC website or the Smart Sarathi app using the QR code provided.

• They can propose projects related to roads, water supply, and streetlights.

• The ward officers will evaluate the suggestions and present the findings and budget proposals to the committee for approval.

Praveen Jain, the Chief Accountant and Finance Officer, stated that this new online option is being introduced to increase citizen participation in the budget. He assured that the projects suggested by citizens would be included in the budget.