Top News

Patna. The government has increased its strictness regarding development works in the Panchayats of Bihar. Following complaints of irregularities in the use of government funds released for schemes in villages, the role of a large number of Panchayat representatives is being investigated. After investigations conducted at different levels, more than 2 thousand heads are under the surveillance of the department.

The matter is not limited to paper verification only. In the panchayats where serious signs of irregularities have been found, preparations for action against those responsible have also started. 12 chiefs are in danger of losing their posts and departmental process is being taken forward in their cases.

Accounting of expenditure of development schemes

Many works to roads, drains, water, lighting and sanitation are done in Panchayats through government schemes. In the implementation of these schemes, questions have been raised regarding the adherence to rules and the process of expenditure. In the investigation by the officials, it was seen whether the work was done as per the approved plan or not, whether the payment was made properly or not and whether all the necessary information was recorded in the records of the concerned Panchayat or not. On the basis of this investigation, many Panchayats have been questioned.

Solar light became a big issue of investigation

Solar street lights installed to illuminate the streets of the villages have also become an important point in the investigation. Complaints were received in some panchayats regarding the quality of the equipment and their functionality. At some places it came to light that the lights were getting damaged quickly and at some places a need was felt to check the records to purchase and payment. Now the officials are keeping an eye on whether the money released for the scheme was used as per the prescribed rules or not.

There will be a comparison of the work on paper and the situation on the ground.

During investigation, emphasis was also laid on matching between records and actual work rather than merely looking at the files. In many cases to Panchayats, estimates of work, records to measurements and other documents were not available. In such cases, it is important to find out how much of the scheme was actually completed and how much money was released in return. Responsibility will be decided on this basis.