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
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
