4 water supply officials suspended over fund misuse

The state government has suspended four officials of the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS) in Faridkot following allegations of fund misuse and fake billing amounting to approximately ₹30 lakh. Those suspender are an Executive Engineer, an SDO, a JE and a Senior Assistant

The suspension comes after a complaint highlighted financial irregularities, including the misuse of operations and maintenances funds and payments made through fake and inflated bills. The allegations led to a departmental inquiry by the Superintending Engineer, Hoshiarpur. Based on the findings, Principal Secretary Neelkanth Awad issued the suspension orders under Rule 4 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970.

During the suspension period, the XEN and SDO will report to the office of the Chief Engineer (South) in Patiala, while the JE and Senior Assistant will be assigned to the Chief Engineer (Central).

The revelation of fund misuse has come at a time when Faridkot residents are already grappling with a drinking water crisis. Locals have expressed dissatisfaction with the poor quality of water being supplied by the department. Many residents rely on hand pumps installed near the Sirhind and Rajasthan feeder canals for potable water here.

The government’s proposed concrete lining of these canals has sparked further discontent, leading to residents' protest. Locals fear that the lining will eliminate water seepage, cutting off their primary source of drinking water. This has intensified opposition to the project, as the town struggles with a deteriorating water supply infrastructure.

Superintending Engineer Sukhpinder Singh confirmed the suspension of the four officials.