Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 20: Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has sought a dedicated assistant municipal commissioner for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) public relations department, saying the move is needed to improve the civic body's public image and strengthen public awareness campaigns.
The mayor has also expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the public relations department. Her demand comes amid the BMC placing before its Standing Committee details of a Rs 25.12 lakh contract for handling the social media platforms of the mayor's office.
The contract, listed under the public relations department, covers social media handling services for the mayor's office for one year from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. The work has been awarded to M/s Runtime Solutions Pvt Ltd, with the document stating that no separate tender process was conducted for the contract.
The mayor's office has clarified that the amount does not relate to a separate publicity campaign or a newly appointed agency. According to the office, the BMC had already appointed Runtime Solutions Pvt Ltd through a tender process to provide technical manpower for managing the civic body's social media platforms, and the same agency was being used for the mayor's office.
Civic sources said Tawde had written to the BMC commissioner in February 2026 seeking three dedicated personnel for her office — a social media expert, photographer and videographer. The proposed team was intended to document and publicise her field visits, inaugurations and other programmes to increase public awareness.
Tawde said she had questioned why a separate request letter was being sought when an agency was already handling social media work for the BMC.
The issue has drawn criticism from the opposition. UBT Shiv Sena corporator and opposition party leader Kishori Pednekar questioned the use of civic funds for social media publicity, arguing that money collected through taxes should instead be prioritised for basic amenities, infrastructure and public services.