Show-cause notice issued to chief of Seikothi panchayat

Chamba, August 13

Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal issued a show-cause notice to the pradhan (chief) of Seikothi gram panchayat in Churah subdivision over the allegations of irregularities in development works and misuse of power.

The notice states that Pradhan Kumari Sonali Rashpa of Seikothi gram panchayat was suspended on August 24, 2023, due to various allegations. To ascertain the facts, the Subdivisional Officer (Civil) of Churah was appointed as the investigating officer under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.

The detailed report of the investigating officer found the pradhan guilty of several charges, including irregularities in the construction of the link road from Seikothi to Khabli Nala, tampering with the gram panchayat meeting proceedings register and failure to complete the necessary formalities for the execution of the construction work on the link road.

The show-cause notice indicates that various financial irregularities and negligence in duty by the pradhan warrant action under the Section 146 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. The pradhan has been directed to respond to the notice within 10 days of its receipt. The notice also states that if a response is not received within the specified period, unilateral action will be taken against the pradhan. — OC