Avinash Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 11: The Rural Development Department (RDD) has shielded one of its officials who allegedly committed bungling of funds under MGNREGA in Kalakote block of Rajouri district.
Responding 'half-heartedly' to media reports regarding bungling of funds by the RDD official in release of payment for Panaar Panchayat, the ACD had sought explanation from BDO Kalakote. The BDO then constituted a committee only to shield the erring official.
"You are directed to explain your position and also enquire into the matter and furnish factual report to this office by tomorrow positively", ACD Rajouri had said in his order (no. ACDR/2018-19/4517-12, dated 16/10/2018) addressed BDO Kalakote.
Astonishingly, going beyond his jurisdiction and in an attempt to shield the official involved in alleged bungling, the BDO constituted a three-member committee for verification of facts. "Nand Kishore, Assistant Engineer, REW (Sub Division), Sunderbani, Ved Parkash, I/c Inspector Panchayat, Block Kalakote, and Javid Iqbal, Junior Engineer Block Kalakote, were asked to investigate the matter", sources said.
They alleged that the committee was constituted to hush up the case and not to punish the official who misused his official position. "It was just hoodwinking, the BDO could have himself cross-checked if was willing to take action, because record of payment is online available. There was no need to constitute the committee", sources said and added that degree of one of the members of the committee constituted by the BDO is under scanner. Sources said that as per constitution of committee for verification of facts, the report was to be submitted within two days, i.e. on October 19. "But, even after lapse of three weeks, no action has been taken neither by the ACD nor by the BDO Kalakote", sources said. They said it is not first instance when the RDD top officials have united to shield an erring colleague. |
