Pune: Representatives of 34 villages that were recently incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation raised several pressing demands, including additional funding for development, property tax collection at Gram Panchayat rates, and a complete waiver of water taxes.
Despite being part of the municipal corporation for years, these villages continue to face significant challenges in accessing basic amenities like roads, water, and drainage, prompting the representatives to voice their grievances.
The representatives, in a critical meeting held on Monday (September 2), noted that the municipal administration has failed to address the issues related to roads, electricity, water, drainage, and waste management in these villages.
Despite repeated efforts by village authorities to engage with the municipal administration, citizens report that their concerns have been largely ignored, leading to growing dissatisfaction among residents.
These unresolved issues were highlighted in a recent session of the Legislative Assembly, leading the government to establish a committee chaired by the Divisional Commissioner to tackle the problems faced by these incorporated villages.
This committee is mandated to meet monthly, and the latest session saw the attendance of over 22 representatives, including key officials like Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale and Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., along with heads of various departments.
During the meeting, representatives outlined the persistent challenges faced by villagers, including ongoing struggles for basic amenities like healthcare, roads, electricity, drainage, and water services, even many years after their inclusion into the municipal corporation.
They questioned the rationale behind the municipal corporation's decision to levy property taxes without providing essential services, suggesting that taxes should be assessed at the lower Gram Panchayat rates until such amenities are reliably provided.
The representatives also called for the suspension of water taxes, arguing that the municipal corporation has yet to establish a consistent water supply.
They proposed continuing the use of existing Gram Panchayat pipelines to deliver water until municipal infrastructure is fully operational.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of village schools, urging immediate attention and funding for their repairs, alongside additional resources for the upkeep of crematoriums. Representatives also pushed for a thorough review and expedited completion of ongoing development projects.
In response, municipal authorities assured representatives that all the issues raised would be addressed. Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. stated, "Funds have already been allocated for various works by the municipal building department, and efforts are underway to meet the demands of the representatives. We will consider today's requests positively and continue working towards fulfilling them."
Balasaheb Chandere, a member of the Representatives Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The 34 villages included in the city have not seen full development. Therefore, property taxes should be levied according to Gram Panchayat norms rather than municipal corporation standards. Given the incomplete state of the uniform water supply scheme, water taxes should be fully waived, and additional funds should be allocated to support the development of these villages."
