Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has long partnered with the Swachh organization to conduct door-to-door waste collection. A new contract has been signed, extending the partnership until January 8, 2029.

However, the administration has recently made amendments to this agreement, introducing stricter regulations. One key change includes a fine of ₹500 for waste collectors if waste is found accumulating on streets or public places due to their negligence.

Repeated offenses will result in Swachh losing its contract for the affected area. Additionally, the administration has permitted other organizations to operate within the city, increasing the PMC’s control over Swachh and its workers.

Since 2008, over 3,500 Swachh waste collectors have been gathering wet and dry waste from households. Residents pay ₹85 per household for this service, and collectors supplement their income by selling recyclable materials. The revised contract, effective from January 26, 2024, to January 25, 2029, received approval from the Standing Committee in June.

Increased Responsibility

Complaints have been received about waste collectors leaving unwanted waste in public places, causing unsanitary conditions. To address this, the revised contract increases the responsibility of waste collectors. They will be fined ₹500 if chronic waste spots are found due to their actions.

If such incidents occur three times in a row, a report will be requested from the Assistant Commissioner, and the Additional Commissioner (Estate Department) can decide to terminate Swachh's contract. Waste collectors are also responsible for cleaning feeder points, failing which they will face penalties.

Educational Qualifications for Ward Coordinators

Swachh appoints ward coordinators to manage waste classification and respond to citizens' needs in new areas. Currently, there are 146 supervisors, but the requirement is for 180 supervisors and other staff to cover approximately 9,000 to 10,000 properties per supervisor.

Ward coordinators must be graduates in any field, MSW, or hold degrees/diplomas in solid waste management, environment, health, or Swachh Survekshan-related qualifications, as determined by the Additional Commissioner.

11-Month Contract with Other Organizations

Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department said, "Organizations other than Swachh interested in working in the city must submit proposals to the PMC. If Swachh operates in an area where another organization has fewer than 100 employees, they will be integrated into Swachh.

If there are more than 100 employees, they can work on a trial basis for 11 months with the approval of the main assembly. The amendments aim to streamline waste collection, prevent littering in public places, and ensure effective waste collection in newly included areas."