Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has temporarily modified its process for issuing work orders, allowing contractors to receive them without completing the contract agreement due to the upcoming state assembly elections.
This decision comes just three months after an order was issued mandating that contracts must be finalized before issuing work orders.
PMC typically awards tenders worth thousands of crores annually across various departments, including roads, water supply, electricity, and waste management.
After the Finance Committee and Estimate Committee provide approval, these tenders are presented to the Standing Committee for final endorsement.
Once approved, contractors often rush to obtain work orders, which legally require them to sign contracts with the relevant department.
In July, Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale enforced the policy that contracts must be signed before issuing any work orders, aiming to ensure adherence to legal requirements like worker insurance. Chief Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar issued a circular to implement this policy.
However, with the state assembly elections approaching and the election code of conduct expected to be enforced soon, concerns arose about potential delays in work progress.
Contractors and officials raised complaints that the mandatory contract process could hinder the issuance of work orders, leading to project delays. In response, Commissioner Bhosale temporarily suspended the July directive to expedite the process until the elections conclude.
The PMC has already approved tenders worth approximately ₹500 crore across several sectors. In the past week, many of these projects have received work orders.
The decision to bypass the contract process has led to efficiency in issuing these orders, creating a positive atmosphere among contractors and officials.
The suspension of the contract requirement is strictly limited to the election period. Contractors who receive work orders under this temporary measure must complete the contract process afterward.
Chief Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar has emphasized that clear instructions have been provided to ensure compliance.
