PMPML begins audit of central store department
PUNE: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPML) has started an audit of its central store department after learning that raw material is not distributed equally to its 13 depots. Officials had received complaints about irregularities in the department.
The officials confirmed they have started audit of the store department, which did not happen for the past two years. The audit was started a week ago and two staffers were transferred from the department.
The PMPML has around 2,000 buses in their fleet. Of these, around 1,300 buses are owned by the public transport body. The central store department is responsible for maintaining these buses, including spare parts. As per the requirement, the department purchases the parts from the Authorised Association of State Road Transport Undertaking (ASRTU). If the parts are not available, the department purchases them from other registered dealers. These parts are distributed to all 13 depots.
Earlier, the then officiating superintendent Dr Shrikar Pardeshi had ordered to spare six per cent amount from the daily revenue to purchase spare parts. This money is used in the treasury and the workshop. But the money is not sufficient as the breakdown of buses increased due to other reasons.
A few years ago, the authority detected the same irregularities. When the audit started, the officials found the same irregularities. The authority initially found there was a mismatch between the purchase of small spare parts and distribution of parts to depots. They purchased more than the requirement.
“We recently began the audit of the store again after receiving complaints that some of the depots were not getting material as per requirement. The audit should actually be a regular part of any department. Earlier, we conducted them regularly; however, it was pending for the past few years,” said Ajay Charthankar, Joint Managing Director, PMPML.
He said, “Through our audit findings this time, we have come to know that there might be some anomalies in the billing. If these are confirmed, then we will take action for the same. We have transferred two staff members in this regard.”
