Pune: BJP on spree to open new vaccination centres, PMC faces staff shortage

“The demand for vaccination centres across Pune is increasing from elected representatives, mainly of the ruling BJP. There are over 200 proposals submitted by the elected representatives to start vaccination centres in their electoral area,” said a civic officer.

People wait for their turn at a vaccination centre in Pune (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)

WITH THE ruling BJP in the PMC on a spree of inaugurating government-run vaccination centres across the city, former party legislator Medha Kulkarni has highlighted the “chaotic situation” due to poor management at these centres even as the civic administration faces a shortage of skilled staff to man these centres.

Out of 170 vaccination centres in the city, over 100 have been set up by the civic administration, where the Covid-19 vaccine is being administered for free. Elected representatives are seemingly in a race to open maximum number of vaccination centres in their electoral area. With the vaccination opening up to all aged 18 and above from May 1, this would make the situation tough.

“The demand for vaccination centres across the city is increasing, especially from elected representatives, mainly of the ruling BJP. There are over 200 proposals submitted by elected representatives to start vaccination centres in their electoral area,” said a civic officer.

Mayor Murlidhar Mohol and state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil, who is also a legislator from Kothrud Assembly segment, have inaugurated many vaccination centres in the last few days.

“New vaccination centres are being set up with permission from the Centre, but vaccine shortage has created a problem. Thus, the civic administration is providing only 50 doses per day for each new centre on the insistence of elected representatives,” said the officer, adding that the increase in centres is also creating a staff shortage.

“There should be government staff at vaccination centres of the PMC, but we don’t have adequate staff,” the civic officer said.

Kulkarni, who visited various vaccination centres in Kothrud Assembly segment after receiving complaints, has written a letter to the municipal commissioner and district collector on the “chaotic situation arising out of improper management at government-run vaccination centres”.

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“There is a lot of chaos and confusion in many centres. People are suffering due to lack of proper management. The tokens are issued on a first-cum-first-serve basis, and this has led to queues from the early hours. If beneficiaries issued a token on the previous day did not get vaccine on the given day, they are administered the vaccine the next day and new tokens are not issued,” she said, adding that senior citizens with scheduled second doses were not being given priority.

Kulkarni said some people were returning home after waiting in line for five hours. “Also, there is no affirmation on which vaccine would be administered at the centre, so people have to check daily,” she said, adding that Covid safety protocols were being violated at these centres due to crowding.

“The administration should put up a list of beneficiaries of the vaccine for the next day and the name of the vaccine to avoid confusion,” she said, adding that there was a need for volunteers.

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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