Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal has assured the Maharashtra Assembly that a detailed inquiry will be conducted into the tendering process undertaken by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) solid waste management department.

The assurance follows concerns raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Bhimrao Tapkir regarding inflated tender amounts. The civic body had issued tenders worth Rs 1.58 billion for road cleaning and waste management projects, which were later cancelled after bids came in at five to seven per cent above the estimated costs.

Responding to Tapkir’s query, Misal confirmed that the tender process had been scrapped due to the excessive bid amounts. She added that the state government has instructed PMC to launch a detailed investigation into the matter.

Tapkir also questioned the expenses already incurred during the tender process. In response, Misal stated that if any financial irregularities are found, the government will recover the costs from those responsible.