This BDPOis ‘indispensable’

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, October 30

Can a Block Development Panchayat Officer (BDPO) be given the charge of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC)?

To this query, neither the Deputy Commissioner (DC) nor the director, Rural Development Department, is willing to give an answer.

Arun Kumar, a BDPO, is presently functioning as District Development Panchayat Officer (DDPO), Muktsar, and is holding the additional charge of ADC (Development), Muktsar. Besides, he holds the additional charge of DDPO, Faridkot, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of zila parishad, Faridkot.

Arun had joined as DDPO Muktsar just before the Assembly elections early this year. He was given the additional charge of ADC (D) when the post got vacated after the transfer of Kulwant Singh on July 19.

Within a few days, he was also given the additional charge of DDPO Faridkot and Deputy CEO of zila parishad, Faridkot. Due to these four important charges, he keeps shuttling between these two districts.

As a result, day-to-day work is suffering. Hardly any clerk was found sitting at the ADC (D) office in Muktsar when The Tribune paid a visit.

Further, sources informed that some important documents were awaiting the approval of the ADC.

Sumeet Jarangal, Deputy Commissioner, Muktsar, feigned ignorance that Arun Kumar — who was holding four charges in two districts — was a BDPO in official records.

“I am not aware of it. Generally, a DDPO is given the charge of ADC (D) when the post is vacant,” said the DC.

C Sibin, Director, Rural Development Department, said, “Arun Kumar is a BDPO in the records and gets the salary of a BDPO.” But when asked about the reason behind giving him such important charges, which are usually given to a senior officer, he did not reply.

Meanwhile, Arun Kumar said, “The charge of DDPO and Deputy CEO of zila parishad in Faridkot was given to me as the DDPO posted there had gone on leave.”