Navi Mumbai Citizen Forum Accuses NMMC and CIDCO Officials of Violating Whistleblower Protection Act

Navi Mumbai: The Alert Citizen Forum (ACF) has accused officials of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) of breaching the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers Act, commonly known as the Whistleblower Protection Act.

In a letter to the Maharashtra government, the forum alleged that instead of safeguarding the identities of whistleblowers, municipal and CIDCO officials are leaking complaint details to contractors and local representatives, putting the lives of informants at risk.

The Sajag Nagrik Manch, an activist group, echoed these concerns, highlighting rampant corruption in Navi Mumbai’s development projects. The group claims that funds meant for essential infrastructure, including roads, footpaths, gardens, and the health sector, are being misused, while citizens who expose irregularities face intimidation.

ACF has taken a strong stance against the administration, stating that "Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and CIDCO are suffering from stage-four corruption cancer." The group argues that despite no elected corporators for the past four years—following the last NMMC elections held nine years ago—former corporators continue to wield undue influence over civic decisions.

Another major accusation leveled by the forum is the alleged rigging of the tendering process in Navi Mumbai. The organization claims that 'ring contracts' and syndicates manipulate the online tendering system to favor select contractors, compromising transparency in governance.

ACF has urged Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take swift action against these alleged violations. "If any member of Alert Citizen Forum faces threats or danger in the future, the Maharashtra government will be held entirely responsible," the memorandum warns.

The organization has also demanded that CIDCO and NMMC officials undergo special training to reinforce that public projects are funded by taxpayers, making citizens the true stakeholders.

Despite the alleged risks, the forum has vowed to continue its watchdog role, ensuring transparency and accountability in Navi Mumbai’s administration.