₹139 Cr PMC Tender, But No Salaries
• Will PMC Act or Fold Again?
• Blacklisting Threat Looms Over Eagle
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Despite securing a ₹139 crore contract from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Eagle Security and Personnel Services Pvt. Ltd. has failed to pay salaries to 228 contractual security guards for over two months. Many of these workers include women and transgender individuals. The PMC issued an ultimatum for payment by May 3, threatening blacklisting. Yet, no action has been executed to date.
As the delay stretches into a second month, the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) exposes not only a pattern of gross negligence but also serious questions about governance, fraud, and accountability within PMC’s outsourcing framework.
Sprouts SIT Investigation: Contractor Defies PMC Deadlines
In March 2025, the PMC issued a massive ₹139 crore tender to hire security services for its facilities. Historically, 1,565 guards are deployed across PMC departments annually. In 2024, the contract was split among three agencies to streamline operations. Eagle Security was entrusted with 228 guards.
However, the company failed to fulfill one of its most basic obligations—paying salaries. As of May, neither March nor April payments have been made, plunging workers into severe financial crisis. Approximately 50% of the affected guards are women, and 15 are members of the transgender community. For many, this job is their only source of income.
Workers in Crisis: Salary Default Enters Second Month
Contractually, contractors are bound to pay salaries by the 10th of every month. Eagle Security blatantly violated this rule. Workers have reported food insecurity and mounting debt. Repeated follow-ups with company representatives have yielded no response. Though PMC issued notices and levied penalties, no improvement has been observed.
Security Officer Rakesh Witkar told Sprouts News SIT, “We served them notices and penalties. Their failure to comply by May 3 will trigger blacklisting procedures.” Meanwhile, the other two agencies in the same contract cycle—Singh and Sanik—have cleared dues, underlining the isolative failure of Eagle Security.
Bogus Employee List, Alleged Fraud: PMC’s Dirty Underbelly Exposed
In a shocking revelation, activist Balgude accused Eagle Security of fabricating a bogus employee list to siphon off funds meant for legitimate workers. According to Balgude, PMC currently employs around 8,000 to 10,000 contractual workers, including security and sanitation personnel, whose salaries are directly handled by the Corporation.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Balgude alleged, “This is organized fraud. Some PMC officials are complicit. Complaints were lodged on October 18, 2024, and February 24, 2025, with no action. Only recently, PMC fined Eagle Security ₹60 lakh. But we also demand investigation into Singh and Sanik agencies.”
PMC’s Oversight Under Fire Amid New Tender Launch
Public anger is mounting as PMC rolls out a new ₹139 crore tender while unresolved issues with current contractors persist. The timing has triggered concern among civic groups and stakeholders about the transparency and oversight mechanisms in PMC’s contracting system.
Sprouts News SIT has recorded testimonies from affected workers and whistleblowers alleging a culture of impunity. Some claim there is no active grievance redressal mechanism in place. The scandal highlights structural vulnerabilities in PMC’s tendering and labor protection processes.
Also Read: MMC Probes Dean’s Role at D Y Patil Medical College Over Registration Issue.
Blacklist or Backtrack? All Eyes on PMC’s Next Move
The blacklisting of Eagle Security could set a crucial precedent for enforcement in public contracts. As of now, PMC’s delay in taking decisive action continues to jeopardize the livelihoods of 228 vulnerable workers.
Sprouts News SIT will keep tracking this developing story and demand full transparency from PMC and related agencies. The demand from labor groups is clear: ensure immediate payment, investigate the fraud, and hold both contractors and complicit officials accountable.
Sprouts News SIT Verdict: A Case of Negligence, or Collusion?
This scandal is more than a case of unpaid salaries—it could be symptomatic of a deeper rot. The need for external auditing, anti-corruption investigations, and overhaul of PMC’s contract management is now urgent. As the story unfolds, Sprouts News SIT pledges to continue exposing misconduct and advocating for justice.
