Ajay Sharma
Early Times Report
SUNDERBANI, Jan 18: In an apparent case of ‘embezzlement’ by Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs) in Sunderbani, Rs. 23 lakhs under Capex budget was reportedly allocated for an already existing Panchayat Ghar. Talking to the Early Times, a group of the locals said that the representatives of PRIs have arbitrarily diverted Rs 23 lakh for a building which already exists.
“Panchayati Raj institution has misused its power and position by allocating Rs 23 lakhs for an already existing Panchayat Ghar,” alleged locals, adding that the amount could have been utilized on some developmental project in the area. They alleged that PRIs, including panches and sarpanches appear to be unaccountable to the public, whom they actually represent.
“It is very unfortunate that panches and sarpanches are taking arbitrarily decisions, without respecting the mandate of the public,” locals said and added that allocating capex budget of Rs 23 lakhs to an existing building shows unaccountable and arbitrary functioning of PRIs. Meanwhile, Block Development Officer Sunderbani-Vikas Sharma along with village level worker and junior engineer visited the site to ascertain the allegations, wherein they found the Panchayat Ghar in bad shape.
ACD Rajouri-Sushil Khajuria said that he will look into the matter, as he is not in reception of any circular with regard to 70 percent utilization, but on proper verification he will divert these funds to some other developmental project. |
