JOIN USPunish DC, demand ZP members
Acts of discrepancy were discovered in the purchase of supplies for hostels of the Social Welfare Department. Yet, action has not been taken against the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the president of the Purchase Committee. Members of the Zilla Panchayat expressed severe displeasure over the matter.
M Srinivas first raised the issue against the Deputy Commissioner. “The Deputy Commissioner is directly responsible for mishandling of money running upto lakhs of rupees. No decision could be taken without his signature and approval as he is the president of the Committee.As such, he himself is responsible for the crime,” alleged Srinivas.
Other members agreed with Srinivas. They said, instead of punishing the lower officers and workers in the Committee, action should be taken against the president himself. All members agreed that a letter be sent to the Government to take action. A decision was also taken in the Meeting in this background.
Money returned
Since grant money worth Rs 8.41 crore for education, medical, agricultural and other purposes was not utilised, the money is being returned to the Government. The district is suffering from several problems. The officials, however, are not utilising the funds appropriately and fruitfully, all the members complained.
The members raised several issues related to the district in the meeting. A heated debate followed regarding solving problems as well as developmental activities in the district.
In response, ZP president Mangamma Muniswamy said approval for utilisation of project grants is given in the Taluk Panchayat meeting. Therefore, the matter is beyond the realm of the Zilla Panchayat. “Yet, if the Taluk Panchayats review the matter and submit reports, action will be taken,” she assured the members.
However, Venkatarama Reddy and Samegowda demanded that the matter be given to the Lokayukta for investigation.
Vidhana Parishat member V R Sudarshan, who was present at the meeting, said the Government has deprived the Panchayats of power, instead of making them stronger.
Lesson in public speaking
He also spoke to the members about protocol and good behaviour during a meeting.
“Speak about matters as per the agenda. Discuss or debate with patience and peace. Review the progress of the district. Do not interrupt a person who is speaking,” he advised the ZP members.
It is not possible to review the progress of every department during every such meeting, he said and added that work of a certain number of departments could be reviewed at regular intervals. “The, we can control the authorities, utilisation of funds as well as progress of projects,” Sudarshan said.
The Zilla Panchayat has just three more months of power. The important work of review of fund utilisation through formation of committees should be completed. ZP members should work towards this end now, he said.
Chief executive officer A M Kunjappa was present during the meeting.