PUNE (India CSR): The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is under fire for failing to utilize Rs 7.5 crore collected under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds, generously donated by various companies to bolster healthcare facilities in civic hospitals, remain largely unused, prompting public outcry and raising serious questions about administrative accountability.
During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020, the PMC appealed for financial contributions from corporations and citizens to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure. The appeal generated Rs 4.89 crore in 2020-21 and Rs 3.10 crore in 2021-22. However, an RTI inquiry revealed that only Rs 1.30 crore from the total fund was used for essential purchases such as hospital beds and oxygen supplies. The remaining amount accumulated Rs 70 lakh in interest but still sits unused, totaling Rs 7.43 crore.
Activists Demand Transparency
Prominent social activist Vivek Velankar voiced his concern, stating:
“Despite the immense hardship faced by citizens during the pandemic, the PMC failed to utilize these vital funds. This negligence raises serious questions about the administration’s accountability. The civic body seems to be taking people’s generosity for granted.”
Velankar discovered this information through an RTI filed in July 2023. Despite the passage of 18 months since the inquiry, no significant steps have been taken to allocate or utilize the funds.
A Call to Action
Velankar has urged the PMC to allocate the unused funds to improve healthcare services in municipal hospitals and clinics. “The funds could provide life-saving upgrades to medical equipment and enhance facilities for underprivileged patients in Pune,” he added.
The lack of transparency and urgency in this matter has fueled public frustration. Residents and local organizations have begun raising awareness, calling for concrete action rather than bureaucratic delays.
PMC’s Response Remains Absent
Efforts to obtain a response from Dr. Neena Borade, PMC’s Health Chief, have remained unsuccessful. This silence has further deepened concerns about the administration’s commitment to public welfare.
Breakdown of CSR Funds Usage
| Financial Year | Funds Collected (in ₹ Crore) | Funds Utilized (in ₹ Crore) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 4.89 | 0.00 | No recorded utilization |
| 2021-22 | 3.10 | 1.30 | Hospital beds, oxygen supplies |
| Interest Earned | 0.70 | 0.00 | Accrued on unused funds |
| Total Remaining | 7.43 | Unused in COVID-19 CSR account |
Public Accountability and the Path Forward
The inaction surrounding the funds has prompted questions about PMC’s governance and financial management. Civic bodies are entrusted with public contributions during crises, and any failure to use these funds undermines public trust.
Public health expert Dr. Ramesh Kulkarni remarked:
“The pandemic taught us the importance of preparedness and timely resource allocation. Unused funds represent missed opportunities to save lives.”
With growing pressure from citizens and advocacy groups, the PMC must take decisive steps to ensure that these CSR contributions are used effectively to enhance healthcare infrastructure.
A Time for Change
You might be wondering, “What’s next for the unused CSR funds?” Citizens are demanding immediate action, including independent audits and detailed public reports to ensure transparency.
The PMC’s responsibility extends beyond collecting donations—it must demonstrate its commitment by upgrading healthcare services for Pune’s most vulnerable communities. Concrete steps must be taken to rebuild trust and avoid future administrative lapses.
(India CSR)
