PMC to introduce social audit of civic works

Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao said the PMC already had an established platform of social media network. It would be used to urge people to suggest civic works needed in their respective areas, Rao said.

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Pune Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is all set to introduce a social audit of its work and programmes, executed in its limit, to ensure that civic funds are being effectively used.

“The social audit has been done at the rural level for the projects implemented by the district administration and was followed for the Jalyukt Shivar project. It has not been used in urban areas so far. We will try to implement the same for PMC projects,” said Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao.

He said the PMC already had an established platform of social media network. It would be used to urge people to suggest civic works needed in their respective areas, Rao said.

“The civic administration after verifying the public demand would take up the civic projects and also urge the local corporators to push for them. This will also help them connect with the local people and understand their need,” Rao said. He added that the idea was to implement need-based projects instead of the practice of supply projects, which would ensure effective use of civic funds for public benefit.

The impact assessment of the projects will give a real picture of change in situation in a particular area, he said. The social audit will include the rate of change in people’s quality of life in the area due to the project implementation, he added.

There are many institutes in the city that will be involved for carrying out the social audit, Rao said, adding that the PMC has a civic budget of Rs 6,000 crore and has a capability to make a change if the funds are used efficiently.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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