Scrutiny Freeze: Audits Stuck For 6 Years In Most NMC Depts Nagpur: Financial oversight in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has effectively collapsed, with audits in the majority of its 22 departments remaining pending for six financial years, from 2018-19 to 2023-24. Official records indicate that for the 2022-23 fiscal year, audits were completed in only three departments—market, enforcement, and water works—raising serious concerns about the monitoring of NMC expenditures and revenues during a period marked by repeated allegations of financial irregularities. The six-year delay coincides with the administrator’s rule in the civic body from March 2022 to January 2026, during which no elected representatives were part of the corporation. During this period, former corporators and political leaders repeatedly accused the administration of mismanagement in multiple departments. Allegations included awarding works to contractors quoting up to 40% below estimated costs, followed by later increases in project expenses through the addition of extra items. Irregularities were also reported in DPDC-funded works and questionable decisions in the garden and sports departments. Senior BJP corporator and lawyer Sanjay Balpande, who accessed the documents, claimed the prolonged audit delays suggest a deliberate attempt to conceal financial misconduct. He argued that timely scrutiny would have exposed several controversial decisions made between 2018-19 and 2023-24. The NMC audit department’s communication confirms that audits in most departments—including property tax, general administration, town planning, health, education, electrical, garden, social welfare, and fire services—remain pending from 2018-19 to 2023-24.#sanjay_balpande #nagpur_municipal_corporation #dharampeth_zone #laxmi_nagar_zone #nmc_audit_department
Probe Low Bidding for NMC Tenders, Demands Congress Nagpur: The controversy surrounding unusually low bids for civic projects has escalated as Opposition leader Sanjay Mahakalkar called for an immediate investigation into road works approved by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) standing committee. In a letter to municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, Mahakalkar highlighted two road projects cleared during a March 24 meeting where contractors submitted rates nearly 40% below the estimated costs. One proposal under the Lakadganj zone was approved at 40.80% below the estimated cost, while another cement road project in the Dharampeth zone was cleared at 39.75% lower than the base price. Mahakalkar described the approvals as "highly questionable," warning that such drastic cost reductions raise serious concerns about the quality and durability of the work. He urged the NMC to form a committee to scrutinize all tenders approved at more than 30% below the estimated cost across departments. The leader also cautioned that approving abnormally low bids without rigorous oversight could result in substandard infrastructure and financial losses for the civic body. The issue has gained prominence due to reports highlighting the deterioration of recently constructed cement roads in the city. These roads have shown signs of wear within a short period, sparking concerns about inadequate quality control and weak tender scrutiny within the municipal administration. Mahakalkar’s letter underscores the growing public and political pressure to address potential corruption and mismanagement in civic projects. The NMC’s standing committee, which approved the controversial bids, faces scrutiny over its decision-making process.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #sanjay_mahakalkar #dharampeth_zone #lakadganj_zone
1,000 teachers, others skip census duty, admin warns of strict action Around 1,000 teachers and other staff assigned to the upcoming Census 2027 have refused to take up enumeration duties, according to officials from the Nagpur district administration. The authorities have warned that strict measures will be taken against those who continue to avoid their responsibilities. The census operation is being managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and adherence to official directives is mandatory. Officials from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation confirmed that several officers and employees designated as enumerators and supervisors in the Dharampeth zone have not reported for duty. The absentees include a significant number of teachers and staff from schools, colleges, semi-government institutions, private institutions, as well as employees from state and central government offices. Taking the situation seriously, the administration has initiated the process of filing cases against the absent enumerators and supervisors. Department heads of the respective institutions have been instructed to ensure immediate compliance with the orders. Assistant municipal commissioner Rajkumar Meshram of the Dharampeth zone urged all staff to participate in the census work promptly to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise. The census, a critical exercise for data collection, requires the active involvement of enumerators and supervisors to gather accurate information. The administration’s warning signals a commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that the process proceeds without disruption. The incident highlights the importance of institutional cooperation in large-scale administrative tasks.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #nagpur_district_administration #dharampeth_zone #rajkumar_meshram #census_2027
Underbidding flagged, yet standing panel clears over Rs13cr civic works The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s standing committee approved a series of civic development projects totaling over Rs13 crore during its first major meeting in nearly four years of administrative rule. The decision, however, sparked significant debate over the growing trend of contractors submitting bids drastically below estimated costs, raising concerns about the long-term quality and durability of infrastructure. Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare highlighted the risks of such underbidding, warning that bids 30%-40% below estimates could compromise construction standards and lead to frequent repair costs. She urged the NMC to seek expert opinions on the issue, emphasizing the potential for substandard materials and execution delays. Among the approved projects, two contentious tenders from the public works department drew particular attention. A cement concrete road project in Dharampeth zone was awarded at 38.90% below the estimated cost, with a final work order of Rs26.14 lakh. Similarly, a box cell bridge project in Laxmi Nagar zone received approval at 37.18% below the estimate, costing Rs31.17 lakh. While civic officials maintained that all tenders followed due process and existing norms, insiders acknowledged that repeated ultra-low bidding could harm infrastructure durability. Cement roads in Nagpur have already faced criticism for poor quality, premature wear, and frequent repairs. The committee also approved a Rs3.67 crore project for the Bajirao Sakhare Kids Library in Ashi Nagar, awarded to a contractor quoting 28.20% below the estimate. Additional approvals included Rs1.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #shivani_dani_wakhare #dharampeth_zone #laxmi_nagar_zone #bajirao_sakhare_kids_library
