Avinash Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 7: In yet another instance of embezzlement of funds in block Kalakote, around Rs 70 lakh were utilized 'in papers' only, that too, without consultation of Gram Sabha, a decision making body in absence of elected members of Panchyats.
Raising question over embezzlement of funds released under 14th Finance Commission in Kalakote, a former Sarpanch informed that no meeting of Gram Sabha has been called by BDO Kalakote for last three years.
"Funds under 14th FC are on the disposal of Panchayat Secretary and concerned Sarpanch, but in the absence of Sarpanch and Panch, as elections are not being held, the BDO officials have to consult the Gram Sabha. Same has not been done for last three years", he said and added that for sake of paper works, political workers are being presented as Gram Sabha members.
"Under 14th FC two installments of amounting Rs 70 lakh for 18 panchyats of the block has been released, but not a single penny has been spent on the ground", he said and added that process for release of payment is also totally biased.
"Payment for financial year 2015-16, 2016-17 is pending in several cases, but on the other hands under political patronage, for year 2017-18 and 2018-19 has also been cleared the BDO", he added.
The block officials have done works without proper planning, that too in papers only. "Most of works mentioned in the record cannot retrieve on ground", locals alleged.
BDO Kalakote, Jagan Nath Sharma said, "Works under 14th FC were completed prior to my joining here. So I cannot say anything on the issue." |
