The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has raised alarm over a surge in job-related scams specifically targeting sanitation workers hired through private contractors. According to official statements, fraudsters have been demanding money from these vulnerable workers in exchange for false assurances of permanent employment in the municipal body.
These incidents have prompted PMC to issue a stern warning clarifying that contract-based sanitation workers should not fall for such misleading claims, as no such scheme or policy exists. The scam primarily affects temporary sweepers working across PMC’s 15 ward offices under outsourced contracts.
How the Scam Works: Exploiting the Vulnerable
According to PMC’s Solid Waste Management (SWM) department, the scam operates through agents or individuals who exploit contractual staff with the lure of a stable government job. Many victims were told that by paying a certain amount, they could secure a permanent placement within PMC.
Sandip Kadam, head of the SWM department, emphasized that such claims are entirely false. “There is no plan to offer permanent positions to contract sweepers. All such promises are fraudulent,” he stated. Workers have reportedly been tricked into believing their current status as temporary employees could be upgraded upon payment.
Civic Body’s Response: Awareness and Preventive Action
To curb the scam, PMC has taken multiple preventive steps. Ward offices have been directed to put up clear notices warning workers against these fraudulent agents. Additionally, local media is being used to amplify the warning and raise awareness among contract staff.
The PMC also plans to address the issue through official channels to ensure workers understand that all employment within the civic body follows legal and transparent procedures. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the order was issued to maintain employment integrity and protect economically vulnerable workers from being duped.
No Money for Jobs: A Message to All Contract Workers
PMC’s message is unequivocal—employment within the civic administration cannot be bought. “No one should trust anyone demanding money for placement,” the senior official reiterated. Workers have been urged to report any such incidents immediately and not engage with individuals making unauthorized promises.
As job scams rise across the country, PMC’s warning serves as a critical reminder of the risks faced by contract workers—often the most exploited and least informed. By shedding light on the fraud, PMC aims to not only protect its workforce but also uphold transparency in public employment systems.