13 May,2026 10:39 PM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryavanshi. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Wednesday withdrew a proposal to increase the monthly fuel allowance for civic officials to Rs 50,000 following criticism and concerns over fuel conservation.
The proposal had appeared on the agenda during a Standing Committee meeting and quickly sparked public debate.
PCMC Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi confirmed that the proposal was cancelled during the meeting.
Meanwhile, Pune Mayor Ravi Landge also cancelled his proposed foreign visit to Baku in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation.
The Mayor's office stated that the administration remains committed to responsible governance, transparency and acting in the public interest.
According to a statement issued by the Mayor's office, the proposal regarding the fuel allowance hike had already been kept under review and would be formally withdrawn during the General Body proceedings scheduled for May 15, 2026.
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar strongly criticised the proposed increase, questioning the justification behind such a large fuel allowance.
He pointed out that Rs 50,000 worth of fuel every month would amount to nearly 450 to 500 litres, enough for a vehicle to travel around 9,000 to 10,000 kilometres monthly, or nearly 300 kilometres every day.
Kumbhar questioned whether civic officials actually spend seven to eight hours daily travelling on roads to justify such expenditure.
The activist also criticised the lack of opposition to the proposal from elected representatives and officials, saying no one appeared to question the use of public money.
He further noted that fuel allowances approved in 2017 already stood at Rs 39,560 for petrol vehicles and Rs 36,560 for diesel vehicles, which he described as excessive even at that time.
According to Kumbhar, increasing the amount further to Rs 50,000 would have crossed all reasonable limits.
The development comes at a time when state governments and public authorities are promoting fuel-saving measures following concerns over rising fuel consumption and energy conservation.
Several state leaders and departments have recently announced austerity steps, including reduced vehicle convoys, restrictions on unnecessary travel and greater use of public transport.
