Early Times Newspaper Jammu
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Panchayat Ghar buildings exist on papers only
Alleged Embezzlement Of Funds In Ramsoo
avinash azad
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 10: At least 40 lakhs rupees meant for construction of two Panchayat Ghars in Ramsoo block of erstwhile district Doda, now Ramban, embezzled by the officials of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) Department on basis of fake bills, but no action has been taken by the higher authorities.
Sources informed Early Times that the department has failed to complete works of Panchayat Ghar Buildings taken up for execution during 2003-2004 and 2011-12 under 11th FCA. 13th FCA, MGNREGA, BRGF, BADP and other schemes.
"One hand Govt.is empowering Panchayati Raj System in J&K by conducting elections of Panches and Sarpanches and then elections of BDCs, unfortunately on the other hand side Govt. fails to provide offices to these elected representatives due to the negligence of RD&PR", sources told ET.
"Land for Panchayat Ghar Hochak in Block Ramsoo was not available, the then BDO Ramsoo withdrawn full plan provision of the building under 11th FCA against residential house of Parbhat Singh by issuing work order in the name of the wife of Parbhat Singh during year 2004-05", sources claimed.
They further said that for another Panchayat Ghar of Ramsoo block now Ukhral block, but this building could not reach to its conclusion.
"One Kanal of land was denoted by one Jarnail Singh resident of Senabati for the construction of Panchayat Ghar Senabati Ukhral and work of the building was allotted favour of Jarnail Singh vide No.919-25 dt.24-09-2003 under 11th FCA", they said.
Sources further said that Jarnail Singh constructed the building up to roof level, but as per BDO Ramsoo letter No.1183 dt. 27-02-2008, amount Rs.1.19 lakh to Jarnail Singh against a drawl of more than Rs. 15.00 lakh.
"Number of Panchayat Ghar buildings taken up for execution under 11th FCA during 2003-04 are still held up at plinth level, door level and roof level and their steel Door and windows are still lying in the store of BDOs", sources said.
"Thereafter former Secretary to Govt. RDD Farooq Ahmed Peer vide communication No. RD/PC/15/ 2011 dated 29-02-2012 accorded administrative approval of Rs.20.00 lakh for the construction of each Panchayat Ghar building under 13th FCA in convergence with MGNREGA with a condition that instead of wood, pressed steel Door and Windows shall be used and Govt. released Rs. 20.00 lakh full plan provision in advance for each building in the year 2011-12. For these works Rs. 20.00 lakh to 27.00 lakh against administrative approval of Rs. 20.00 lakh against fake muster sheets and fraudulent material bill vouchers and steel doors and windows, which are still gathering rust in the store of BDOs", they said.
"It was the responsibility of the Administrative Deptt to take action against the officers of RDD who withdrew Rs. 20.00 lakh full plan provision of Panchayat Ghar buildings during 2011-12 but failed to complete these buildings after a lapse of more than a decade", they said.
Director RDD Jammu Sudershan Kumar when contacted said that he would look into the matter. "It is an old case, but still I will check it, and if something fishy is found, appropriate action will be taken against officers, involved in it", he added.