The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has initiated the preparation of a comprehensive white paper detailing development works and its financial position during the four-year administrative rule from March 2022 to January 2026. This move follows directives from Mayor Himgauri Aaher amid increasing demands for transparency from corporators.
Scope of the White Paper
The report will encompass works undertaken across various departments, revenue generation, expenditure trends, state government grants, and outstanding liabilities. Once compiled, it will be submitted to Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri and subsequently placed before the general body or a special meeting for discussion after the mayor's approval.
Political Pressure and Demands
The decision comes after sustained pressure from BJP, Shiv Sena, and opposition members seeking clarity on key financial decisions made when elected representatives were not in control of the NMC. The demand intensified during the March 18 general body meeting, where corporators across party lines questioned the administration over financial approvals and execution of civic projects during the period.
BJP group leader Shyam Badode sought full disclosure of works carried out along with a detailed financial statement, while Shiv Sena group leader Ajay Boraste pushed for a white paper to assess the civic body's financial health. Members also raised concerns over alleged irregularities, including claims that fixed deposits worth around Rs 1,500 crore had been liquidated over the past five to six years, and demanded accountability in fund utilisation.
Administrative Response
Following these demands, the mayor directed the administration to compile the report. The accounts department has since started collecting data from various departments, including details of completed and ongoing projects, income and expenditure records, government funding, and pending liabilities.
An NMC official stated, 'The exercise aims to provide a clear and consolidated picture of the corporation's functioning during the four-year administrative rule and address concerns raised by elected representatives ahead of future policy and budget decisions, as well as projects being undertaken for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027.'
