Holta panchayat fund bungling to be probed

Our Correspondent

PALAMPUR, July 15

Sandeep Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, has ordered probe into the alleged financial irregularities committed in Holta panchayat near Palampur. The Deputy Commissioner has directed the Block Development Officer Panchrukhi to look into the allegations leveled in the complaint and submit a detailed report to his office so that appropriate action could be taken against the culprits.

The Deputy Commissioner had received a complaint from the villagers, BDC members and vice president of the panchayat that the president of the panchayat had committed financial irregularities pertaining to funds received under the 14th Finance Commission for development.

These persons had alleged that the funds allocated for MANREGA and purchase of solar lights were misused. The solar lights were purchased without calling any quotations which was mandatory as per directions of the state government. Besides, funds meant for construction of village paths were also diverted to other works extending favours to some persons.

The complainants also brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner that 217 bags of cements purchased for the civil works in were also missing.

Meanwhile, Block Development Officer Panchrukhi visited Holta village and inspected the panchayat record. He said panchayat pardhan failed to give satisfactory reply to the most of the queries he raised. He said he would soon submit report to the DC in this regard.

However, panchayat pardhan, when contacted, denied the allegations and said he had properly utilized the funds and no irregularities had been committed. He said he was ready to face the charges leveled against him.