Rs 1.34-cr mayor’s official residence remains unoccupied

An RTI query filed by The Indian Express has revealed that the civic administration took three years to construct the official residence of the city mayor in Shivajinagar at a cost of Rs 1.34 crore in approximately half-acre plot. The PMC spent Rs 25 lakh in 2003-04, Rs 45 lakh in 2004-05 and Rs Rs 64.86 lakh in 2005-06 on the bungalow that got ready in 2005. But in all these five years, no mayor except Dipti Chaudhary has stayed in the bungalow. Even Choudhary had occupied it for only three months — January 2005-March, 2005.

The present value of the property is pegged at Rs 10 crore. At present, it is used occasionally by the mayor to hold some meetings.

Despite seeking details of occupancy in bungalow, the administration did not give us the details in response to the RTI application. It was learnt that the bungalow was inaugurated during Chaudhary's tenure. Thereafter, the city got four mayors Rajni Tribhuvan, Rajlaxmi Bhosale, Mohansingh Rajpal and the present Vaisahli Bankar, but all preferred to stay at their personal residence instead of the official one.

The administration also failed to provide information on the services and facilities provided at the bungalow. A visit to the bungalow though revealed that the PMC provides round-the-clock security at the bungalow along with ensuring its cleanliness. This apart from the gardening service in the premises. At least five personnel are permanently employed for the upkeep and security of the place.

On repair and maintenance of the bungalow, the civic administration admitted that a budgetary provision of Rs 22.95 lakh was made since 2009-10 to date, but no money was spent at the Ghole Road office for carrying out the repair work. This year a provision of Rs 5 lakh have been made for the purpose.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Real estate agent from Pune financed fake currency racket busted in Chandrapur: Cops

Barring election work, teachers exempted from all duties outside school

Fiance who rescued kidnapped girl from Dhule brothel arrested

Charas, brown sugar use high in IT, corporate sector: ANC