The Times of India 19.08.2010
Decision on civic donation policy to be taken next month
PUNE: Following a heated debate over civic donations in an all party leaders meeting on Wednesday, mayor Mohansingh Rajpal said that the civic body will decide on the civic donation policy next month.
“Party leaders discussed civic donations, but we failed to come to a conclusion. Next month all the leaders will decide on the policy on civic donations and we will also mull over whether some rules and norms need to be framed for donations,” said Rajpal speaking to reporters.
City-based organisations, Surajya Sangharsh Samiti (SSS) and Creative Foundation, had recently demanded the suspension of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials who have implemented illegal’ resolutions to give massive donations and accept co-sponsorship of festivals.
They have also demanded action against the organisations that have accepted illegal donations from the PMC.
In a letter to chief minister Ashok Chavan, a copy of which has been forwarded to T C Benjamin, principal secretary of state urban development department, these organisations have objected to the massive donations and co-sponsorships by the PMC.
As per the BPMC Act, the state government has issued directions to municipal bodies that institutions should not be given donations exceeding Rs 3 lakh and the total annual civic donation amount should not exceed Rs 30 lakh.
However, the PMC has recently shelled out massive amounts like Rs 51 lakh for the 83rd Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan the all India Marathi literary meet and Rs 30 lakh, donated to celebrate Baisakhi.
