Pune: Poor-quality masks distributed in slums, PCMC chief appoints panel to probe matter

"...We will take strict action against those responsible for this. No one will be spared," Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar told The Indian Express.

3 min readPuneJun 6, 2020 11:23 PM IST

Poor-quality masks, Shravan Hardikar, PCMC chief, Pune news, Indian express news

Meanwhile, the civic standing committee has decided to reduce the amount of fine imposed on residents for not wearing a mask in public places to Rs 200. (Representational)

After the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) came under fire for distributing poor-quality masks in slums and low-income areas, Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar on Saturday set up a three-member committee to probe the matter.

“…We will take strict action against those responsible for this. No one will be spared,” Hardikar told The Indian Express.

The civic administration was forced to set up the committee after PCMC corporators, during the general body meeting, highlighted the poor quality of masks distributed free of cost among the poor. The corporators, led by NCP leaders Mangala Kadam and Datta Sane, also alleged that soaps distributed in low-income areas were purchased at a much higher rate by the civic body. It was Datta Sane who had first raised the issue two weeks ago.

Hardikar said, “I am shocked at the quality of masks that we received… In the beginning, some lots had masks of good quality. But the masks that came in later… were of pathetic quality”. The PCMC chief said once the probe is over, he will reveal details on the sources the masks were purchased from.

He said days before wearing masks was made mandatory across the country, the PCMC had taken the initiative to make them mandatory in its jurisdiction and also decided to impose a fine of Rs 500 on those not wearing them. “The widespread use of masks by local residents has helped us curb the spread of the infection,” said Hardikar.

In congested areas such as slums, where social distancing is difficult, PCMC had decided to distribute free masks. “We also distributed them in chawls and other low-income areas…,” said the civic chief.

As for the allegation that soaps were purchased at a much higher cost, Hardikar said there was no truth in it. “The soaps are of good quality and purchased at lower rates. We distributed them among the poor and urged them to frequently wash their hands to keep coronavirus at bay,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the civic standing committee has decided to reduce the amount of fine imposed on residents for not wearing a mask in public places to Rs 200.

Doctors get pay hike

Days after they held a protest demanding equal work and equal pay, as many as 33 junior resident doctors have been given a pay hike of Rs 25,000 by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. “We are committed to taking care of our Covid warriors. Our entire medical team, including doctors and nurses, are putting in their best efforts in these difficult times. And it is our duty to take care of them. We have given the 33 junior residents a pay hike,” said Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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